BAE Systems has employed expertise from gaming technologies and from the Formula One racing car world to create a new cockpit development and training facility. The Training and Simulation Integration Facility (TSIF) at Warton in the UK has been developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering and contains simulation capabilities for multiple aircraft types including BAE Systems’ Hawk, Typhoon and future concept aircraft. The facility represents an investment of £2.3 million ($2.98 million).
Steve Timms, managing director, defense 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.”
Craig Wilson, managing director, Williams Advanced Engineering, said: “In Formula One, simulation and training are of the utmost importance. We are delighted to be working with BAE Systems on this project, having developed a strong relationship based on shared objectives.”
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. Virtual and augmented reality technology is used to create a fully immersive 3D environment for engineers and pilots to enhance their aircraft maintenance and training skills in complex environments. A networked synthetic environment employs a suite of high-speed desktop simulators, all connected via a dedicated engineering network.
There is also “A Classroom of the Future” featuring wall-to-wall interactive displays. It allows trainees to "virtually" tour the body of an aircraft, using 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.