Google Glass tested by US Air Force

Google Glass is reportedly being tested for use by the US Air Force and could become the norm if trials go well.

According to Venture Beat, the Android-powered wearable is being used by the US Air Force's Battlefield Air Targeting Man-Aided Knowledge (BATMAN) Human Performance Wing, which undertakes research and development in the US military.

Google Glass could be used to help air controllers working on the ground guide vector fighter and bomber aircraft to their targets and for search and rescue missions.

The group comprises both civilian and military scientists who work together to come up with solutions to real problems while forces fight on the battlefield.

2nd Lt. Anthony Eastin, a behavioral scientist in the BATMAN team, said the glasses are a great solution for using in the field because they don't use much power, sit totally above the eyes, and don't block images or hinder vision.

The goal is to ultimately build software that will help the military collate research on how to deal with situations in the future.

Andres Calvo, a software developer and civilian contractor for BATMAN, said the department chose to use the Google Glass platform because it made it easy to access information quickly.

But, he said, Google Glass isn't the answer to all the Air Force's needs and does require some development in order to get it to the stage the department can use it.

The US Air Force bought two sets of Google Glasses through Google's Glass Explorer program.

A number of companies are trialling Google Glass, including Virgin Atlantic and the NYPD, which hopes to use the glasses to note incidents and record audio or video interviews with witnesses.