Lockheed Martin, Red 6 revolutionize pilot training with AR technology

In a significant development aimed at revolutionizing pilot training, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) and Red 6 have announced the successful integration of Red 6’s cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) technology with a TF-50 simulator. This collaboration marks a crucial phase-one milestone, paving the way for broader evaluation and rapid integration of AR applications into the TF-50 aircraft design. The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance pilot readiness while reducing the required flight hours, demonstrating Lockheed Martin’s commitment to leveraging digital advancements and strategic partnerships to meet customer needs in the 21st Century Security landscape.

OJ Sanchez, the vice president and general manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “This milestone demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to meeting customer needs and advancing 21st Century Security solutions through purposeful digital investments and strategic partnerships.” He further emphasized the importance of integrating such technologies to ensure pilots are equipped with efficient training tools for fourth and fifth-generation fighter missions.

The TF-50, offered by Lockheed Martin for advanced fighter training programs for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and several international customers, is a light attack fighter and an advanced trainer equipped with modern enhancements. The integration of AR technology into its design represents a leap forward in training capabilities, potentially setting a new standard for military flight training.

Daniel Robinson, founder and CEO of Red 6, shared his vision for the future of military training, asserting that the integration of ATARS (Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality System) technology represents a new paradigm in addressing the challenges of production, absorption, and experience in military flight training. He stated, “We will continue to pursue our vision of connecting all warfighters across all domains into joint training and operational environments – all underpinned by our state-of-the-art AR technology.”

This partnership between Lockheed Martin and Red 6, especially through the recent Mentor-Protégé agreement, signifies a deepening collaboration focused on advancing mission training across live, virtual, and constructive environments. Lockheed Martin’s role as a global defense technology leader, combined with Red 6’s innovative AR solutions, positions this partnership at the forefront of transforming military training for the better.

Red 6, established in 2018, is renowned for creating ATARS and the Augmented Reality Command and Analytic Data Environment (ARCADE). These systems represent the first demonstrably proven outdoor AR solutions capable of operating in dynamic, high-speed environments. By bringing virtual and constructive assets into the real world, Red 6’s technology allows pilots and ground operators to interact with synthetic threats in real-time, offering an unparalleled training advantage.