Defense & Military
Red 6 and Boeing Integrate AR Training on Apache Helicopter
Red 6 and Boeing successfully integrate AR training system ATARS with AH-64E Apache for immersive, cost-effective pilot readiness.
AR Hits the Rotors: A New Era of Helicopter Training
Military-Aircraft aviation training is on the cusp of a significant transformation. On November 17, 2025, technology company Red 6 announced a pivotal achievement: the successful integration of its Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality Systems (ATARS) with Boeing‘s AH-64E Apache attack helicopter platform. This development, carried out on a testbed in Mesa, Arizona, marks the first time an augmented reality (AR) flight training system has been incorporated into a Helicopters. The event signals a potential paradigm shift, moving beyond traditional training methods and embracing immersive, synthetic environments to prepare aviators for the complexities of modern warfare.
The collaboration between Red 6 and Boeing is not just a technical milestone; it represents a strategic move to address long-standing challenges in military readiness. Training pilots, especially for sophisticated platforms like the Apache, is a costly, logistically complex, and inherently risky endeavor. Live training exercises require vast airspace, expensive adversary assets, and carry safety risks. By overlaying high-fidelity, virtual threats and scenarios directly onto a pilot’s real-world view, ATARS offers a solution that promises to enhance realism while mitigating these constraints. This integration opens the door for the U.S. Army, the primary operator of the Apache fleet, to adopt a more flexible, scalable, and data-driven approach to pilot training.
This initiative builds upon an existing partnership between the two companies, which has already seen success in integrating ATARS into fixed-wing aircraft like the T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot trainer. The expansion into the rotary-wing domain demonstrates the versatility of the technology and its potential to create a unified, cross-platform training ecosystem. As the nature of global threats evolves, the ability to train against near-peer adversaries in a dynamic, contested environment is paramount. This AR integration is a direct response to that need, aiming to forge a new generation of pilots prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
The Technology: How ATARS Changes the Game
At its core, the Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System is a “hardware-enabled software” platform designed to revolutionize how pilots train. Instead of being confined to a ground-based simulator, ATARS allows pilots to fly their actual aircraft while interacting with a synthetically generated world. The system overlays realistic, virtual elements, such as enemy aircraft, ground threats, and friendly forces, onto the pilot’s helmet-mounted display. This creates a blended reality where the cognitive and physical demands of live flight are combined with the limitless scenarios of a simulated environment.
The integration on the AH-64E Apache was conducted on Boeing’s Crewstation Advanced Technology Testbed (CATT), a specialized platform for developing and evaluating new technologies. This controlled environment allowed engineers to seamlessly link the ATARS technology with the Apache’s complex Avionics. For the pilot, this means they can engage in complex training exercises, such as air combat maneuvers or responses to surface-to-air threats, without the need for physical adversary aircraft. This capability is crucial for simulating encounters with “near-peer adversaries,” which are often too expensive or difficult to replicate in live exercises.
A key advantage of this approach is the system’s ability to record vast amounts of data during training sorties. Every action, decision, and outcome can be logged and analyzed, creating detailed datasets. This allows the military to move beyond subjective evaluations and objectively measure pilot and unit readiness. Furthermore, the system is designed to be scalable, enabling training scenarios that would be impractical due to airspace limitations or the sheer number of assets required. It also paves the way for training in next-generation operational concepts, including those involving Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
“Exploring the integration of ATARS with the Apache marks a significant milestone, not only as our inaugural collaboration with a rotorcraft platform but also as our first potential partnership with a U.S. Army platform,” said Daniel Robinson, CEO and Co-founder of Red 6. “This collaboration demonstrates the versatility and strategic value of augmented reality training across all domains of military aviation.”
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The successful integration of ATARS onto the Apache platform carries significant strategic weight. For Red 6, it marks a crucial expansion beyond its established partnerships with the U.S. Air Force and into the domain of the U.S. Army. This move diversifies the company’s portfolio and positions ATARS as a potential joint-service solution for flight training. The confidence demonstrated by Boeing, building on their previous work on the T-7A Red Hawk, underscores the maturity and adaptability of the AR technology across different airframes.
For the military, the benefits are multifaceted. The ability to conduct high-intensity, realistic training without the associated costs and logistical burdens of large-scale exercises is a major advantage. It allows for more frequent and complex training, ultimately leading to higher pilot proficiency and readiness. Kathleen “KJ” Jolivette, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing’s Vertical Lift division, noted that technologies like ATARS “open up new opportunities to prepare military aviators for complex threat environments they face today and will encounter in the future.” This forward-looking perspective is critical as defense Strategy shifts to address sophisticated, technologically advanced adversaries.
Looking ahead, this collaboration is a clear indicator of a broader trend within the defense industry. Augmented and virtual reality are no longer niche technologies but are becoming integral components of modern Training and operational planning. The successful test on the Apache Helicopters serves as a proof of concept for wider implementation across other rotorcraft and tactical aircraft. The long-term vision is a unified, synthetic training environment where pilots from different platforms and even different branches of the military can train together in a shared virtual battlespace, regardless of their physical location.
A New Horizon for Military Readiness
The fusion of augmented reality with one of the world’s most advanced attack helicopters is more than just a technological achievement; it’s a fundamental rethinking of pilot preparation. By bringing the training environment directly into the cockpit during live flight, Red 6 and Boeing are breaking down the barriers between the real and the virtual. This approach promises to create a more agile, cost-effective, and data-centric training model that can adapt to the ever-changing landscape of modern warfare. It addresses the critical need to prepare aviators for high-stakes scenarios that are too dangerous or impractical to replicate physically.
As this technology matures and sees wider adoption, its impact will likely extend beyond individual pilot skills to encompass broader unit-level and joint-force operations. The ability to network multiple AR-equipped aircraft could enable large-scale, complex training exercises without a single physical adversary, revolutionizing how readiness is built and maintained. This integration is a foundational step toward a future where military training is as dynamic, scalable, and technologically advanced as the threats our service members are preparing to face.
FAQ
Question: What is the significance of integrating ATARS with the AH-64E Apache?
Answer: This is the first time an augmented reality flight training system has been successfully integrated with a rotorcraft platform. It opens up new possibilities for realistic, cost-effective training for U.S. Army helicopter pilots and demonstrates the versatility of the AR technology across different types of aircraft.
Question: What are the main benefits of using an AR training system like ATARS?
Answer: The main benefits include enhanced training realism against “near-peer adversaries,” reduced costs and risks associated with live exercises, greater scalability and flexibility in training scenarios, and the ability to objectively measure pilot readiness through data collection.
Question: Who are the key players involved in this project?
Answer: The project is a collaboration between Red 6, the technology company that developed the ATARS system, and The Boeing Company, the manufacturer of the AH-64E Apache helicopter.
Sources
Photo Credit: Red 6
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Shield AI Complete X-BAT Engine Test
GE Aerospace and Shield AI complete AVEN thrust-vectoring nozzle testing on the F110-GE-129E, keeping X-BAT on track for late 2026 first flight.
GE Aerospace and Shield AI have successfully completed integration, actuation, and engine light-off testing of a multi-axis thrust-vectoring nozzle on an F110-GE-129E engine, clearing a major propulsion hurdle for the X-BAT vertical take-off and landing combat aircraft.
Announced in a July 20, 2026, press release, the testing took place at GE Aerospace’s operations site in Peebles, Ohio. The campaign represents the first fully integrated test of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) hardware and control systems since its original development in the 1990s. The successful light-off keeps the X-BAT program on schedule for a planned first flight in late 2026.
Resurrecting thrust vectoring for vertical flight
The AVEN system pivots engine exhaust in three dimensions, providing the precise directional control required for the aircraft to balance on its tailpipe during vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) maneuvers. Originally designed in the 1990s, the AVEN program accumulated 73 hours of ground testing and 135 flight hours across 95 flights on an experimental F-16 before being shelved.
Shield AI and GE Aerospace are now adapting that legacy hardware to meet the demands of modern autonomous flight. The integration requires the nozzle to execute rapid, coordinated movement sequences driven by Shield AI’s flight control software.
“The AVEN is what makes vertical flight possible on a platform this size and this capable. We’re applying it differently than it was ever used before. Vertical flight requires fast gimbaling to maintain attitude control, a demand the original program never had to meet,” said Armor Harris, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Engineering at Shield AI.
Harris noted that utilizing hardware with a proven track record allowed the engineering teams to bypass the initial stages of clean-sheet development. The next phase of the program will focus on iterating the propulsion approach to reduce weight and increase speed for future variants.
Scaling the X-BAT for contested environments
Shield AI unveiled the X-BAT in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2025. The aircraft is designed as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) capable of operating independently or as a drone wingman in contested airspace. By November 5, 2025, Shield AI and GE Aerospace had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the platform’s propulsion, selecting the F110-GE-129 engine paired with the AVEN system.
The aircraft relies on Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software to conduct missions without traditional runway infrastructure. According to reporting by Tectonic Defense, the X-BAT measures 26 feet in length and features a 39-foot wingspan. Naval News estimates the platform will achieve a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet, positioning it for both austere land bases and potential naval integration.
Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, stated that pairing the company’s propulsion scaling experience with Shield AI’s vehicle development allows the program to move rapidly from concept to fielded capability.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful light-off of the AVEN-equipped F110 as a validation of Shield AI’s strategy to integrate mature subsystems rather than developing bespoke hardware. The GE Aerospace F110 engine family has accumulated 11 million flight hours. By pairing a highly reliable, mass-produced core engine with a previously flight-tested 3D vectoring nozzle, the X-BAT program significantly reduces its technical risk profile.
The primary challenge moving forward will be software integration. While the AVEN hardware is proven, the 1990s-era actuators were not designed for the continuous, high-frequency gimbaling required to stabilize a tail-sitting VTOL aircraft in turbulent conditions. Shield AI’s Hivemind system will need to manage these actuation limits carefully to prevent mechanical fatigue while maintaining attitude control during the critical transition between vertical and forward flight.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace signed an MOU at Farnborough to establish a Canadian F414 engine MRO center if Canada selects the Gripen E.
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to establish a Canadian MRO center for the F414-GE-39E engine. The agreement is entirely contingent on the Government of Canada selecting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E for its future fighter fleet.
Announced in a GE Aerospace press release, the proposed MRO work would take place at Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The partnership aims to position Magellan as Canada’s domestic center of excellence for F414 engine sustainment, guaranteeing sovereign support capabilities for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) if the Gripen E is acquired.
Industrial offsets and the Gripen E campaign
The MOU represents a calculated component of a broader industrial offset campaign by Saab AB and its suppliers to secure a portion of Canada’s fighter procurement contract. The Canadian government is currently reviewing its fighter jet strategy. While Ottawa previously committed to purchasing a fleet of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft, the government is evaluating a potential mixed fleet that could include domestically built Gripen E fighters.
To strengthen the Gripen’s bid, Saab has been securing agreements with Canadian aerospace firms to promise domestic job creation and technology transfer. This engine sustainment agreement follows a similar MOU signed on July 17, 2026, between Saab and Canadian aviation training firm CAE Inc. to cooperate on advanced fighter pilot Training.
Engine sustainment and domestic capabilities
The F414 engine family has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours globally. The new agreement builds on a 60-year working relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation.
Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, stated that the agreement spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the RCAF has in-country access to sustainment services to maintain F414 readiness.
Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts at Magellan Aerospace Corporation, emphasized the operational benefits of the proposed partnership.
“Should the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft be selected, Magellan Aerospace will be ready to provide world-class engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services that enhance operational readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force while maintaining highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada’s long-term defence industrial capacity,” Martin said.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a clear signal that the competition for Canada’s fighter fleet remains highly active despite the initial F-35A selection. By lining up domestic heavyweights like Magellan and CAE, Saab is directly addressing Ottawa’s stringent Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy requirements. If the Government of Canada opts for a mixed fleet, establishing sovereign MRO capabilities for the F414 engine will be a critical factor in mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring RCAF operational independence. Until a formal procurement decision is finalized, these agreements remain strategic positioning rather than guaranteed Contracts.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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