Gaming technology to transform military training

Some of the latest gaming technologies, including commercially available interactive headsets and gloves, are being used in conjunction with advanced military aircraft simulators and F1 engineering at BAE Systems’ new cockpit development and training facility.

The TSIF provides an innovative and immersive environment for pilots, customers and engineers to analyse, evaluate and experiment with the next generation of military aircraft cockpits and future training solutions.

A Next-Generation Training Cockpit designed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering which harnesses advanced F1 technologies and engineering know-how. A twin-seat cockpit simulator can be reconfigured to resemble a range of training and fast jet cockpit environments and allows users to trial the latest in human machine interfaces.

A Classroom of the Future featuring wall to wall interactive displays allowing trainees to ‘virtually’ tour the body of an aircraft utilising a number of synthetic training aids designed to enhance the learning experience, reduce the reliance on expensive physical tools and increase the rate of learning.

Steve Timms, managing director, defence information, training and services at BAE Systems, said: “This new facility represents a fresh blueprint for the future training of pilots and engineers. Such an innovative application of virtual reality and simulation technologies offers a wealth of advanced, more affordable techniques for the training of teams on the maintenance and design of advanced fast jets – and this is just the beginning of possible applications for that technology in the sector.”

"We are delighted to be working with BAE Systems on this project having developed a strong relationship based on shared objectives. As technology improves and becomes more accessible it’s only natural for training techniques to evolve also, and those training in this facility will do so having access to cutting-edge toolsets.” TSIF forms part of a wider investment in training from BAE Systems which will see the company invest more than £10m in training and simulation facilities at its Warton site. A new Mission Systems Integration Facility is planned to open in 2017 for future concept aircraft testing and evaluation, to be co-located with TSIF.