BAE Systems has signed a contract to test an augmented reality (AR) solution aboard the UK Royal Air Force’s Hawk T2 training aircraft.
The demonstration is part of the service’s research on modern training approaches that could amplify airmen’s preparations, boosting the production of frontline fighter pilots in the future.
To be held later this year, the effort will evaluate the Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) developed by Florida-based AR firm Red 6.
ATARS displays virtual enemies through a visor, assisting operators in practicing their localization, identification, and neutralization skills alongside other aircraft or synthetic personnel in a dynamic environment.
The air force said the AR technology is expected to reduce the dependency on live assets, increase fuel efficiency, and generate more training sessions per flying hour for warfighters.
Work for the associated integrations will be conducted in partnership with the British government’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund.
Enhancing Pilot Training
According to the Royal Air Force, the results from the upcoming ATARS flight test will contribute to the service’s ongoing feasibility processes that would approve AR solutions for future flight training strategies.
Once accepted, ATARS will be further developed to integrate constant update functions, adapting the capability to the service’s evolving training requirements.
“Exploitation of novel technologies is an essential part of ensuring the RAF is able to sustain our combat edge and succeed on operations against a constantly evolving adversary,” a statement from the Royal Air Force 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.”
BAE and Red 6 signed a collaborative agreement in December 2022 for future integrations of AR technologies into the Hawk.
The Hawk T2
Manufactured by BAE, the Hawk T2 jet is specifically designed to serve as an airborne training platform for the British military.
It incorporates avionics with functions similar to modern combat aircraft, a debrief system that records the detailed output of each practice session, realistic “weapon drop” and electronic warfare capability, as well as advanced radar for basic maneuver and intercept lessons.
The Hawk T2 has a fuselage length of 12.4 meters (41 feet), a wingspan of 9.1 meters (30 feet), and a maximum takeoff weight of 9,100 kilograms (20,000 pounds).
It is powered by a Rolls Royce Turbomeca Adour engine for a top speed of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) per hour and a range of 2,520 kilometers (1,566 miles).
