A defense startup establishing a technology office in Orlando will commercialize its augmented reality technology for military training after winning a $70 million contract from the U.S. Air Force.
Miami-based Red 6 Inc. is the creator of the Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality Systems, which uses AR technology to create synthetic threats that pilots can see while flying. The system lets pilots and ground operators identify those threats in real-time, high-speed environments via a flight helmet visor to aid military training exercises.
"Red 6 is ushering in a new era of training, and with the support of the U.S. Air Force we aim to deliver an extraordinary increase to readiness, proficiency, training capacity, and capability," said founder and CEO Daniel Robinson.
In addition to its headquarters in Miami, Red 6 has a technology office in Orlando's Central Florida Research Park. The science and technology research campus is home to the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines' military simulation operations.
The company will integrate its platform into a T-38 Talon aircraft, a twin-engine supersonic jet trainer, followed by a fourth generation training aircraft such as a F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Winston "Wink" Bennett, a member of the Airman Systems Directorate, a science and technology research division of the Air Force, said Red 6's technology offers more efficient training solutions for military personnel.
"Red 6 is delivering a solution to current pain points in training, that if fixed, could solve several national security issues we face today," he added.
Red 6 is among a wave of tech ventures moving their operations from California to South Florida in search of lower operating costs. Founded in 2018, the Lockheed Martin Ventures-backed firm has raised $41 million over five fundraising rounds.
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