Precision Optics Corporation, Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced optical instruments for the medical and defense/aerospace industries, today announced the receipt of a product development order to build sub-assemblies that will support an advanced augmented reality (AR) system for US Air Force fighter pilot training, powered by POC’s next-generation optical sub-assembly design and manufacturing technologies.

The program aims to allow pilots to wear AR headsets while in the air in their fighter jets, simulating combat training, without the need for secondary aircraft to be present. This reduces cost and the potential for training related accidents. The customer has been contracted by the US Air Force to deploy their solution on multiple aircraft platforms.

This development project is an example of the defense/aerospace industry’s growing interest in engaging with POC, as the Company’s solutions are well positioned to align with the industry's need for smaller sized optical systems focused on reduced size, weight and power. The global aviation AR market, which includes pilot training, is estimated to grow at a CAGR greater than 20% from 2023 to 2030, making this an attractive new market segment for POC technologies.

The initial $723,000 development order is focused on leveraging POC’s optical expertise to design, prototype and qualify compact optical systems with ultra-high precision optical performance.

“Aviation related augmented reality today is a rapidly growing industry, however most systems are focused on land-based training,” commented Joe Forkey, CEO of Precision Optics. “This new system is focused on leveraging the unique attributes of AR for in-air training. We look forward to working with our new partner to bring this next generation technology to the market.”