British Air Force to test revolutionary augmented reality technology on fighter jets

The Royal Air Force intends to use augmented reality (AR) to assess whether the technology can be used to increase the number of fighter pilots on the front line.

Here's What We Know

Under a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems will demonstrate advanced tactical augmented reality systems (ATARS) on the Hawk TMk2 aircraft this year.

ATARS, developed by US-based Red 6, allows pilots to detect, engage and defeat virtual enemies programmed to act and react like a pilot in hostile combat.

In practice, this means that a Hawk pilot flying over the UK will see a virtual aircraft through the screens. This could be another Hawk flying close by, and then an enemy fighter demonstrating hostile intent.

The results of this demonstration will help the RAF assess and analyse the interoperability and capabilities of this new technology as it considers whether AR could form part of its future flight training strategy.

The contract was delivered on schedule by the Hawk Delivery System (MFTS) team in the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Division, UK Ministry of Defence's procurement arm.

Source: Defence Industry Europe