Augmented Reality Uses and Applications in Aerospace and Aviation

Augmented reality's (AR) first aerospace application came around at the end of the First World War in the form of the aircraft gunsight. Over the last century, this technology evolved to serve different areas of need, including engineering, training, space operations, and flight crew support. The most notable AR applications are the head-up display (HUD) and the helmet-mounted display (HMD), which are used to provide navigation assistance to pilots flying high-profile missions. In recent years, various aerospace corporations have turned to AR technology to enhance their prototyping, manufacturing, and maintenance operations. Similarly, airlines and airports are investigating the use of AR to support daily tasks of operating crew and personnel. These efforts are supported by research groups studying the potential of AR in air traffic control and management, airport operations and security, crew training, aircraft cabin visualization, and In-Flight Entertainment and Communication (IFEC). This chapter presents an overview of AR's history and applications in the aerospace industry throughout the years.