Thales, the renowned technology company, has taken the helm in the European EPIIC (Enhanced Pilot Interfaces & Interactions for fighter Cockpit) research project, which has received a substantial funding of 75 million euros from the European Commission through the European Defence Fund. This ambitious initiative brings together a consortium of 27 prominent participants from European industry and research. The primary objective of the EPIIC project, under Thales’ leadership, is to tackle the evolving challenges of future air combat. The project aims to accomplish this by identifying, developing, and evaluating groundbreaking technologies and novel human-machine interfaces that can be seamlessly integrated into the cockpits of forthcoming fighter aircraft.
We are honoured to lead the EPIIC project, under the aegis of the European Defence Fund, in cooperation with the major European players in industry and research. Together, we have the ambition to combine the best of technologies for the future European fighter aircraft cockpit, the strategic vanguard of collaborative combat.” Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice President, Avionics, Thales
These cutting-edge technologies will play a pivotal role in supporting pilots who have transformed into collaborative combat strategists, fostering an immersive environment that empowers them to excel in their missions. By harnessing these advancements, Thales and its partners endeavor to provide pilots with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of modern warfare effectively. As the project coordinator, Thales is directing its efforts towards two crucial areas of technological development. The first is the implementation of helmet-mounted sights, which offer enhanced visual capabilities to pilots, augmenting their situational awareness and overall operational effectiveness. The second area of focus is the Crew Monitoring System, designed to closely monitor and analyze the physiological parameters of the crew.
This system ensures the well-being and performance optimization of pilots during missions. With the significant investment from the European Commission and the collaboration of leading industry and research entities, the EPIIC project spearheaded by Thales sets a high standard for the future of military cockpit technology. Through innovation and expertise, this initiative strives to equip pilots with the tools they need to excel in the ever-evolving landscape of air combat, ensuring European military forces remain at the forefront of defense capabilities.
