Boeing and Red 6 Pioneer Augmented Reality Training for Fighter Pilots

sing AR technology in pilot training could help Air Forces worldwide deal with the ongoing challenge of recruiting fighter pilots. This innovation can reduce training costs and time, addressing critical shortages in the industry.

The US Air Force, the world's largest, currently faces a shortage of around 2,000 pilots. This problem isn't unique, as many Air Forces worldwide struggle with insufficient training aircraft. For example, the UK's RAF had approximately 300 trainees waiting due to a lack of available airplanes.

Red 6's AR system offers a solution by creating training and combat scenarios using graphics superimposed over a pilot's real-world view during flight through a helmet-mounted display. This approach simplifies training missions while maintaining the cognitive and physical demands of actual flight, which can't be replicated in a ground simulator.

In a collaboration announced in September 2022, Boeing and AR training system developer Red 6 joined forces to integrate Red 6's Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) and Augmented Reality Command and Analytic Data Environment into fighter aircraft.

Donn Yates, executive director of Boeing Air Force Fighters and Trainers Business Development, highlighted Boeing's role as the first company to work with Red 6 on this advanced training technology. Successful ground tests and flight sorties demonstrated their ability to rapidly integrate and test this technology, potentially revolutionizing fighter pilot training.

Thomas "Guns" Bergeson, president of Red 6, expressed pride in their team's achievements, emphasizing their commitment to delivering a synthetic, outdoor training environment that will transform training for future fighter pilots. The combination of T-7 and ATARS could usher in a new era in training, directly impacting readiness and effectiveness.