Gaming technology and F1 set to transform the future of jet cockpit development

Williams and BAE simulator room

Working in collaboration with BAE Systems, Williams Advanced Engineering has unveiled a revolutionary cockpit simulator that will be used by leading aerospace engineers to develop the next generation of cockpit designs for future fast jets.

The state-of-the-art simulator is revealed in a timelapse video of the build, published today, which took place at the Williams facility in Oxfordshire ahead of delivery to BAE Systems’ world class training and simulation facility at Warton, Lancashire.

The collaboration between two world leading engineering companies brings advanced Formula One-bred design and engineering know-how to the design of a twin-seat cockpit simulator which will be used by engineers, aircrew and customers to optimize the design of the future cockpit. The simulator features modular features and interactive screens which can be reconfigured as required along with the sleek and ergonomic lines of a Formula 1 car.

“Having experience in providing our own training simulators for both Formula One and Formula E as well as to automotive customers, it is great to be able to deliver this new system to our partners at BAE Systems," said Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering. “We are applying our capabilities across training and simulation, aerodynamics, electrification, manufacturing and lightweight and composite materials to ever more sectors and defense is a natural fit for our team to apply their expertise."

Julia Sutcliffe, Chief Technologist, BAE Systems Air said “Working with other leading innovative companies like Williams Advanced Engineering is a key focus for BAE Systems. In this case, we’ve been able to introduce design features that we wouldn’t have normally considered and we’ve done it quickly. This project, along with many others, such as our work with Reaction Engines on a hypersonic rocket engine and developing a solar powered air vehicle with aerospace SME Prismatic Ltd, all reinforce our commitment to introducing new technologies quickly and effectively through collaboration and partnering."

The new simulator is capable of simulating a range of aircraft including the Hawk, Typhoon and other future aircraft concepts and forms part of a suite of cutting edge simulation devices at BAE Systems’ Air site in Lancashire.

A timelapse video of the construction of the simulator by Williams Advanced Engineering: