The RAF are set to use augmented reality (AR) to evaluate whether the revolutionary technology can be used to help increase the number of frontline fighter pilots.

Under a contract with DE&S, BAE Systems will conduct an in-flight demonstration of the Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality Systems (ATARS) on a Hawk T Mark 2 aircraft later this year.

ATARS, developed by US company Red 6, enables pilots to identify, engage and defeat virtual adversaries programmed to act and react as a pilot would experience in hostile combat, and co-operate with synthetic support aircraft whilst airborne.

In practical terms this means the pilot of a Hawk flying over the UK will see through their visor virtual aircraft. These may be another Hawk flying alongside, and then adversary fighter aircraft displaying hostile intent.

Such synthetic training offers the opportunity to not only reduce the demand for live assets but drives fuel efficiencies and achieves more training per flying hour for the trainee.

The outcome from this demonstration will assist the RAF in assessing and analysing the interoperability and capability of this new technology as it considers whether AR should form part of its future flight training strategy.

If adopted the technology could be spirally developed so training can be constantly updated to ensure pilots can maintain the battle-winning edge.

Air Commodore Rob Caine, the RAF’s Head of Flying Training, said:

“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. This latest development is a very exciting proposition and opportunity, and we are all looking forward to seeing the outcomes.”

The contract was delivered at pace by the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) 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 date, 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.

They have used this digital picture of the aircraft to understand how ATARS will be integrated into the aircraft, which equips pilots for life in frontline fast jets including Typhoon and F-35 Lightning. The development of this into a contract to deliver a concept demonstration means that the technology can be tested whilst airborne to assess its future potential.

The National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), the UK Government’s corporate venturing arm for dual-use advanced technologies, is supporting Red 6 with its integration into BAE Systems’ Hawk.