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RAF Valley.

Project VIRTUAL HAWK

Image shows aviator using virtual reality headset and looking at screen display of a cockpit.

Project VIRTUAL HAWK, or Project RHITHWIR HEBOG to give it the official Welsh name, looked at validating Virtual Reality training for fast jet aircraft, beginning with the Hawks based at RAF Valley.

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Having taken part in a United States Air Force trial of similar technology, No 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley began the initiative to support and complement Hawk advanced flying training. The project hoped to use Virtual Reality to augment the live fast jet experience, increasing the first-time pass rate for students and promoting a more agile training system.

Image shows a Hawk T2 aircraft in flight.
The Hawk T2 aircraft is used by the RAF for training.

The trial investigated whether existing turbo-prop Virtual Reality training could readily transfer to support the requirements for high performance fast jets.  While the trial found that current Virtual Reality packages are not suitable for fast jets, Project VIRTUAL HAWK has been integral to informing other Virtual Reality and training projects across the RAF.

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