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highly immersive experience when interacting with real instruments, for its Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality
gauges, panels, and meters in mixed-reality scenarios used in com- System (ATARS), Combined Augmented Reality
puter-generated content but also when the user needs to interact Battlespace Operational Network (CARBON),
with the physical world immediately adjacent to the viewer. The and Augmented Reality Command and Analytic
dual high-resolution, 12-megapixel cameras on the headset are Data Environment (ARCADE). Red 6 systems were
calibrated to provide improved image clarity for the range of 30 the first wide field-of-view, full color demonstra-
cm to 80 cm (12” to 31”) from the headset in comparison to a stan- bly proven outdoor augmented reality solutions
dard XR-3. A closer focussing point is vital if the headset is to be that could operate in dynamic outdoor envi-
used to see crucial dials and knobs in proper focus. The optimized ronments.
components in Varjo’s mixed reality camera system changes the
distance of the focus, allowing the lens to bring a sharper depth of In March, Lockheed Martin, Korea Aerospace
field, closer to the user. Industries (KAI) and Red 6 Aerospace announced
a new partnership, which would initially bring
“In mixed reality pilot training, having the visual precision to operate Red 6’s revolutionary ATARS into KAI’s TF-50
avionics is paramount,” says Adam Breed, Strategic Technologies jet trainer and light attack aircraft. The ATARS
Architect at Lockheed Martin Training and Logistics Solutions. system will provide pilots and ground operators
“Lockheed Martin’s simulators integrate with the Varjo XR-3 Focal with the ability to see and interact with synthetic
Edition’s passthrough cameras for viewing the physical controls threats in real-time, high-speed environments.
and dashboards in a cockpit.” U.S. based Aechelon Technology Inc Daniel Robinson, Founder and CEO of Red 6
is another company using the XR-3 Focal Edition to deliver world- said readiness and lethality were critical if U.S.
class mixed-reality, multi-sensor, and visual solutions for a variety of warfighters were to prevail against peer adver-
advanced customers for the US Air Force, US Navy, US Marines, US saries. ‘Advanced aircraft, together with ATARS
Coast Guard, and Allied Partner nations on the most stringent use technology, will deliver a paradigm shift in the
cases. According to Jarmo Lindberg, General in reserve and former quality, quantity, and cost of training future
Chief of Defence for the Finnish Defence Forces, ‘Varjo’s XR-3 Focal pilots,” he stated.
Edition offers the required visual fidelity for advanced training sim-
ulations where operating physical instruments within mixed reality The U.S. Air Force in February 2023 had issued
is mission-critical.” a request for information (RFI) for a two-seater
aircraft to cover three near-term missions
Chad Schmitz, Product Manager for Mixed Reality Flight at including tactical training, adversarial air sup-
FlightSafety International said the company’s engineering team port and to serve as a tactical fighter surrogate.
noticed a clear difference in the ability to read instruments on the Lockheed Martin recently submitted the TF-50A
avionics panel when using the XR-3 Focal Edition. “Our customers variant as its response to the USAF RFI, which
have already undergone installations with the XR-3 Focal Edition is configured as a light attack fighter/trainer
headsets and test pilots have given positive feedback on the resolu- with additional enhancements to include radar,
tion and high fidelity of the device. We can now offer our customers electronic warfare system, tactical data link,
a fully TAA-compliant solution for the most demanding mixed reality and other capabilities to meet Air Combat
training scenarios and deployments.” Command requirements. “Our vision is to help
our customers leverage emerging technologies
to seamlessly and securely connect all assets in
A New Reality the joint battlespace and enable fast and deci-
U.S. based Red 6 which was founded in 2018 and is now a Lockheed sive action,” said OJ Sanchez, Vice President
Martin Ventures portfolio company, is finding increased traction and General Manager, Integrated Fighter Group
at Lockheed Martin.

Boeing had also entered into a joint agreement
with Red 6 in September 2022 for future inte-
gration of latter’s ATARS and ARCADE into the
U.S. airframer’s next-generation aircraft. Its new
F-15EX and T-7 will be the first potential users for
Red 6’s ATARS and ARCADE systems. The cut-
ting-edge pilot training technology will allow
pilots using the system to be able to see and
interact with AR aircraft, targets and threats on
the ground or in the air while flying and train-
ing in their actual aircraft. This will reduce the
need for the utilisation of multiple aircraft for
training missions, reducing the cost and com-
plexity associated with such endeavours, while
© LEONARDO yet providing ‘real world training.’.
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