The Royal Air Force, like all other areas of society is forced to be green and save money. Virtual training may help them do that.
The cost of sending a Typhoon pilot to the RAF as part of a training exercise is tens or thousands of pounds. However, the Air Force wants to decrease the frequency of such flights and BAE Systems will help it do that.
Pilot training in air is 70%, while synthetic training accounts for 30%.
But, in 2040 the goal is for pilots to spend 20% of their training time in the air and 80% using flight simulators. This will likely be the safest amount of time necessary to continue training to the highest standard.
Sir Stuart Atha, Director Defence Capability at BAE, who served as Deputy Commander of Operations, Air Command in the RAF, said virtual training can be more efficient and reflect the reality of warfare.
BAE believes that simulating a major flight could result in a significant reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. This is due to the presence of multiple pilots and aircraft flying virtually.
This amount of carbon would be absorbed by 1,225 trees, which is roughly equivalent to 2.5 million miles driven in a gasoline car.
As with all sectors of society, Royal Air Force is driven to reduce its carbon footprint and make money. It hopes virtual training will help to do this.
The cost of sending a Typhoon pilot to the RAF as part of a training exercise is tens or thousands of pounds. But the air force plans to cut down on the number of times this occurs. BAE systems can help them accomplish that goal.
It is hoped that pilots will spend 20% of their training time flying, with 80 percent using a simulator, by 2040. This is not a Typhoon-specific initiative, according to an RAF spokesperson.
BAE has developed, and continue to develop, the hyper-realistic synthetic Typhoon flight training simulator for the RAF, at its facility in Warton, Lancashire.
It also allows you to connect to remote simulators that simulate war, which allow the Navy and Air Force to work together in a shared environment.
BAE systems was commissioned by the RAF to design a Typhoon trainer to allow pilots to feel the thrill of flight without actually flying.
To simulate intensive flying reaction, trainee pilots will be wearing high-g suits in the static trainer. They will also have a 360° view of the cockpit.
The aircraft uses the most advanced back projection technology and is capable of having multiple devices working in concert. This allows up to four-to six pilots to fly together in virtual flight.
Pilots might not be allowed to board a plane until it is time for war.
Sir Stuart was unanimous in agreeing that this new method of working is similar to how NASA astronauts work – they train for many years on simulators and then go out for one or two major trips.
Simulators must be able to reproduce as many aspects of real-world flying as possible to make sure pilots have the right equipment to handle any situation.
BAE Systems created the ‘Typhoon Future Synthetic Training’ (TFST) system using cutting-edge technology and top engineering skills.
This replica cockpit has a high-definition projected wraparound screen and can link with other pilot systems worldwide.
This was the ‘next generation’ of synthetic training for RAF pilots.
TFST is also the first plug-in to the RAF Gladiator system. It can simulate large-scale battle scenarios.
This system acts as a digital backbone that will enable Typhoon pilots integrate with and train with other assets such as aircraft carriers and Type 45 surface vessels. It also allows them to fly in a safe, artificial environment.
Pilots are not allowed to move around in virtual cockpits. However, pilots can wear their flight suits, which simulate G-forces that they feel on their bodies in response of movements.
Jez MILNE, BAE Head of Operational Training delivery, was formerly Commanding Officer No. 3 Flying Training School at RAF Cranwell stated that live training may not be as realistic as what is possible through the new synthetic systems.
Simulators allow multi-user training in different locations around the globe. Future versions will even connect pilots flying in the air and those who are training in virtual sessions.
Sir Stuart Atha was Director Defence Capability of BAE and Deputy Commander Of Operations in Air Command. He said that virtual training could be more efficient than traditional methods of instruction.
Milne said, “It allows you to fly in formations with four against synthetic targets or scenarios.”
Gladiator is a link-up that allows trainees to wargame with land forces, navy ships and intercepts.
Milne said that this is an improved form of training, in which the pilots are in real life, not just for them but all those involved (commanders, engineers, etc.).
They can overlay training against enemy or fictitious situations with real intelligence, even classified intelligence.
A series of 4K projectors feed into the surround screen to create a clear picture for the simulator.
Milne stated that the Air Force can use this model to create a training system, which Milne said is more eco-friendly.
They can monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and pupil movements to analyze work cycles and to calculate work load. This information can then be sent back to the pilot.
You are much closer to the Formula One drivers who go through constant, active feedback regarding their performance.
Sir Stuart stated, “The only time they’ll be seen in the sky, is when necessary, while the rest of time they’re training in synthetic environment.”
It allows them to broaden the scope of training as they can connect up with other air force around the globe without flying to them.
Milne said, “It’s a better approach to deliver cost benefits and environmental benefits.”
The future will feature a mix of virtual reality headsets. These headsets use 8k stereoscopic glasses that are worn in simulators. Mixed reality visuals can be projected onto goggles by pilots in flight.
Virtual reality equipment is already available to pilots, which can allow them to practice a mission in the cockpit before they take to the skies.
Although pilots do not move in the virtual cockpit they wear their flightsuit, which allows them to feel the effects of G-forces when their body reacts to movement.
Milne stated to MailOnline, “Instead domes in projectors within a room, you’re in a small container and headset.”
Mixed reality headsets are not suitable for air travel because of their poor night vision. This is slowly changing.
BAE estimates that Typhoons consume 9.6 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per hour. Therefore, reducing flight hours could help to lower emissions.
Milne stated that every training mission conducted in simulator results in a reduction of over 1000 t CO2. He also said, “This allows us to achieve things we wouldn’t be able to otherwise.”
Typhoon’s goal is 20 percent real flight, 80 percent simulator. However, the future Tempest aircraft will allow for synthetic flying.
Sir Stuart stated that the aspiration would be 90/10 synthetic/live. He said this was part of a move which could lead to pilots not flying very often but being always available.
He added that it was more cost-effective and eco-friendly than traditional methods, as well as adaptable to changing needs.
MailOnline spoke to a former RAF pilot who is an expert in environmental impact of flight and requested anonymity. This idea was not new, but there has been a trend towards synthetic training for a decade.
According to him, the shifting to net zero carbon emission is easier because of the political context.
He explained that the main cause of the shift was the rising cost of flying. The ‘cost per an hour to keep a Typhoon, or other fast-moving aircraft in the air, is staggering, and it’s in the six figures.
You can save a lot of money by buying a high-quality synthetic trainer that you keep updated.
Dr Sophy Antrobus, Research Associate, Freeman Air and Space Institute, King’s College London agreed with the idea that price is a factor.
But, virtual training has security benefits, Dr Antrobus stated. He explained that the ‘fact you can do something behind closed doors is not visible to satellites. Practice with weapons at ranges that are not visible to prying eyes.
Jez MILNE, BAE Head of Operational Training delivery, was formerly Commanding Officer No. 3 Flying Training School, RAF Cranwell said that live training is less realistic than the simulations available through new synthetic systems.
MailOnline has heard from specialists that a switch to synthetic flight training can be problematic. This is because it does not simulate the rush of flying real flights.
“What it can’t replicate is the adrenaline when taking a shot, potential killing others,” the unamed RAF specialist said.
Synthetic training is unable to induce this level of human input, fight or flight. You must also be aware of the consequences of trying to kill another human being.
Gladiator is a link-up that allows them to wargame with land forces, navy ships and intercepts.
“It cannot also yet replicate extreme psychological and physiological consequences of pilots lives being at risk in the air.”
Pilots believe that you could crash if your checklist isn’t complete. Dr Antrobus said that adrenaline is not something you can replicate.
She stated that the Royal Air Force’s decision to shift from 80/20 training in favor of synthetic will result in a profound shift in its perception and attitude.
It will also raise questions about the definition of pilot. Do engineers now hold the pinnacle in RAF culture over pilots?
Although simulation is a trend that has existed for decades, it has depended on technological advances to make this a reality.
“I believe it’s technology getting to a point that this is possible and has interconnected the climate change crisis,” said Dr Antrobus.
“Different motives all connected and making sense simultaneously.” BAE seems to be in their interests. This net 40 goal is what the Air Force has.
The Air Force should do all it can. You can either fly less, or make sustainable aviation fuel.
MailOnline was informed by a spokesperson for the MoD that they are committed to Net Zero in 2050. They will continue to implement this goal across their Armed Forces while also meeting operational commitments.
The RAF clarified that the move to majority synthetic training was not platform-specific, but an average of the forces, adapted to various situations and requirements.
BAE has developed and continues to develop the synthetic Typhoon flight simulator, which is hyper-realistic, for the RAF at its Warton facility, Lancashire.
The Typhoon is one example of an aircraft that requires minimal exposure to high-speed flight in order for them to survive.
The RAF will work closely with instructors to maximize live flight time. This ensures that high-g manoeuvres and other disciplines are not replicated in simulators.
Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit, also known as the Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit, already has a large amount of synthetic training. It is split into 40/60.
MoD and the RAF are working together to decrease their carbon footprint, such as a switch to electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Recently, the RAF was the first to fly a plane using synthetic fuel. It is derived from extracting the ingredients of water and air.