Ex-Skeletons, Robotics, Augmented Reality and Sustainable Operations
A tantalising insight into how exo-skeletons and robots could be used to support RAF frontline aircraft was revealed on 2 November at RAF Coningsby, home to Britain’s Typhoon fleet.
BAE Systems and the RAF are exploring how fast jet support could be carried out smarter and faster, using transformative technologies as well as greener, sustainable solutions and digital twinning. The innovations could significantly reduce costs and improve the availability of frontline Typhoons and, in the future, Tempest aircraft. Such technologies could be used to reduce fatigue and risk of injury to support crews, while also improving the speed of aircraft maintenance.
Some of the projects being trialled include:
- Exoskeletons – allowing aircrew and maintenance teams to handle greater loads safely;
- Autonomous co-bots – free-moving robots could work in tandem with exoskeleton users, assisting with training and maintenance tasks;
- Augmented Reality headsets – allowing data to be visualised differently, offering maintainers hands-free access to documentation and the capability to view a digital twin of the aircraft and its maintenance history;
- Sustainable operations – delivering advanced synthetic training to pilots and aircrew, while maximising use of renewable resources to help the RAF meet its target of net zero by 2040.
Nick Sharples, Head of Technology Delivery, Support and Training for BAE Systems’ Air sector, stated, “Working with our partners to trial new technologies and solutions for future fast jet support helps us explore new ways of delivering leading-edge capabilities and value for money to the RAF on the front line, whilst also reducing the environmental impact of our operations through synthetic training and investment in electric products”.
Grp Capt Daniel Penter, Director RAF ASTRA, added, “The pace by which technology advances is increasing all the time and it’s imperative that we explore with industry how best to harness this to enhance how we support the frontline”.
The trials at RAF Coningsby form part of a wider strategy to drive efficiency through the introduction of technologies, to develop new partnerships through collaboration across academia and small and medium enterprises, and to contribute to UK jobs across the supply chain.
