Abstract :
Virtual reality (VR) has received almost unprecedented press coverage recently. It is generally assumed that the US are leading the VR field. However, there is a substantial amount of VR work being undertaken in the UK. Defence-related establishments tend to lead the UK activities. As this research matures there will be eventual spin-off into the commercial sector. Recent rapid advances in technology, in particular computer graphics, has led to the availability of high-performance graphic workstations. Low-resolution helmet-mounted displays and other VR peripherals have become available at modest cost. This has enabled the non-defence sector to obtain and assemble initial VR systems