BAE Systems Partners with Red 6 to Introduce Augmented Reality to Hawk Jet Trainer Aircraft

BAE Systems is set to collaborate with Red 6 to integrate the innovation of the Advanced Tactic Augmented Reality Systems (ATARS) into Hawk jet training aircraft. This partnership will enable pilots to identify, engage, and defeat virtual threats and cooperate with virtual wingmen during training missions. BAE Systems has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Red 6, an augmented reality technology firm specializing in synthetic air combat training. The collaboration will leverage BAE Systems’ extensive experience in delivering training to military forces alongside Red 6’s breakthrough ATARS technology.

“Readiness and lethality are critical if our fighter jets are to prevail against near-peer adversaries. I’m thrilled that BAE Systems recognizes the radical innovation that ATARS brings to drive the change in military flight training that is so desperately needed and that together we can help drive this transformational shift,” said Daniel Robinson, Founder and CEO of Red 6.

“The modern battlespace is becoming increasingly complex and contested, and integrating technology such as Red 6’s augmented reality with the Hawk aircraft is key as we prepare pilots for life in a fast-changing capability landscape. We’re ready to combine our unique insight from working alongside air forces across the globe with the game-changing capabilities of Red 6,” said Lucy Walton, BAE Systems Air Sector lead.

The companies announced that they will be working together at I/ITSEC 2022, one of the world’s leading training and simulation shows, in Orlando, Florida. BAE Systems has been a leader in the fast jet augmented reality market for over 60 years, having developed the world’s first Head-Up Display (HUD) for the Buccaneer in 1958 and the family of strike fighter Helmet Mounted Display Systems (HMDS) used on Typhoon and Gripen aircraft. Working with Red 6 takes this capability a step further for the pilots of tomorrow, by immersing contracted adversary aggressors, wingmen, and surrogate threats into the training space at a fraction of the cost and emissions of the live equivalent.