Team Tempest reveal key concepts of future combat aircraft

These include a so-called ‘wearable cockpit with aircraft controls projected via Virtual and Augmented Reality. The concept from BAE Systems sees the physical controls seen in current cockpits replaced with Augmented and Virtual Reality displays projected inside the visor of a helmet, which can be configured to suit any mission. Concepts including human-autonomy teaming are also being developed, where a ‘virtual co-pilot’ could take on some of the pilot’s responsibilities. Still in development, the virtual co-pilot could potentially take the form of an ‘avatar’ built into the cockpit to interact with the pilot.

The Tempest combat aircraft: there’s a storm coming

Suzy Broadbent, Human Factors Manager – BAE Systems Air explained that the work being undertaken on wearable cockpit technology represents the coming together of an entire ecosystem in its own right.

“Sat behind the cockpit human-machine interface is a host of support technologies which are increasingly focussed on the role of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence – teaming humans with machines to make the pilot or operator’s job easier and helping them make critical split second decisions,” she said.