The Royal Air Force is set to test an airborne augmented reality (AR) technology on its Hawk advanced training jet by the end of the year, marking a significant leap forward in aviation innovation.
It has awarded a contract to BAE Systems to conduct an in-flight demonstration of the Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) developed by AR specialists Red 6 on a Hawk TMk2 aircraft. ATARS, developed by Red 6, enables pilots to identify, engage, and defeat virtual adversaries and co-operate with synthetic wingmen while airborne in real time. This groundbreaking technology made for pilots introduces a first-of-its-kind AR system enabling users to perceive full-color, high fidelity assets outdoors and high-speed environments.
The contract was delivered by the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS) Hawk Delivery Team at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the UK MOD.
UKMFTS Head, Commodore Steve Jose said, "We are always looking for opportunities that innovative technologies potentially offer to improve our training delivery. Working collaboratively with industry we were able to deliver this contract at pace to allow the RAF to investigate this exciting technology to help inform future decisions around fighter pilots training."
To advance the project, BAE Systems and Red 6 have carried out 3D scanning and feasibility assessments on the Hawk TMk2 aircraft at RAF Valley, the home of No 4 Flying Training School, responsible for training the UK's next generation of world-class fighter pilot.
ATARS will be temporarily integrated into the aircraft which equips pilots for life in frontline fast jets including Typhoon and F-35 Lightning.
