Precision Eye-Tracking from Seeing Machines

CAE Australia is to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) there HAWK Mk127 full-mission simulator (FMS) with the innovative Crew Training System (CTS) developed by Seeing Machines, the company announced on 24 August.

The companies will install and integrate the CTS, which features precision eye-tracking technology, on the CAE-built FMS, used as part of the RAAF’s lead-in fighter training (LIFT) programme. This technology improves aircrew training by providing objective insights and detailed data on where pilots are looking during simulator missions. 

The effectiveness of the eye-tracking capabilities have been proven over the past year, by a team from the companies and the RAAF, during an R&D programme in which CTS was installed on one of the HAWK FMS for 78 Wing at RAAF Williamtown. “This is another great example of how government and industry can partner to deliver enhanced training and operational capability,” said Matthew Sibree, Managing Director, Indo-Pacific at CAE. 

CAE Australia will have overall responsibility for upgrading two HAWK Mk127 FMS at RAAF Williamtown, plus one at RAAF Pearce.  The company currently provides comprehensive training support services to the RAAF on the HAWK Mk127 LIFT training program, including the provision of classroom and simulator instructors.

Highlighting the close collaboration between all parties, Patrick Nolan, General Manager of Aviation at Seeing Machines, stated  “This reinforces the value of eye-tracking in support of pilot training and we look forward to partnering with CAE on this programme and potentially others in the future.”