American aerospace company Boeing has inked a partnership deal with augmented reality (AR) firm Red 6 to develop an advanced training technology for fighter pilot trainees.
According to the agreement, Red 6 will integrate its Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) into two Boeing-manufactured next-generation aircraft, the T-7 and F-15EX.
The system allows pilots to interact with unmanned aircraft, threats, and targets in real-time, high-speed environments while training in their actual jets.
ATARS enables various AR-driven tactical training sessions, including air combat maneuvers, refueling, tactical formation, and surface-to-air weapon engagements.
“Readiness and lethality are critical if our warfighters are to prevail against peer adversaries. Boeing’s next-generation platforms will be the first aircraft in the world that are capable of entering our augmented reality training environment,” said Red 6 Founder and CEO Daniel Robinson.
“Together, we will deliver a paradigm shift in the quality, quantity and cost of training future pilots.”
The collaboration also covers the use of Red 6’s Augmented Reality Command and Analytic Data Environment (ARCADE) on the Boeing platforms, bringing enhanced efficiency to mission planning, briefing, and debriefing through real-time 3D visualizations.
Advanced Pilot Training System
Boeing’s T-7A Red Hawk is an advanced pilot training system equipped with digital engineering processes, agile software development, and an open architecture mission system.
“The aircraft is a flexible, modifiable solution that adapts easily to people, software and systems so future technologies can be easily implemented, pilots can adjust to their personal preferences and the entire system can be applied to other missions,” Boeing said.
The F-15EX aircraft features advanced radars and sensors that enhance its survivability amid emerging threats.
Boeing said the F-15EX is considered a key element to the US Air Force’s tactical fighter fleet given its open system architecture and capacity to carry hypersonic weapons.