RAF tests inflight augmented reality for pilot training

BAE Systems and the UK Ministry of Defence plan to conduct inflight trials of the Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) developed by U.S. company Red 6. The tests will use a Hawk T.Mk 2, the RAF’s current advanced trainer. Demonstration flights with ATARS are scheduled to begin later this year, allowing the RAF to evaluate augmented reality (AR) in future aircrew training.

ATARS enables pilots to "see" virtual adversaries in their visors during air combat scenarios, as well as synthetic support aircraft such as a wingman. These threats are programmed to act and react as they would in combat, providing a realistic training environment without real-world adversary aircraft. The use of AR offers potential cost savings and maximizes the training benefits of each hour of a trainee’s flight time.

“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,” said Air Commodore Rob Caine, the RAF’s head of flying training. “This latest development is a very exciting proposition and opportunity, and we are all looking forward to seeing the outcomes.”