Evaluation and Implementation of Augmented Reality for Aerospace Operations and Sustainment

Abstract

Industry is eager to adopt new technology and realize its predicted benefits, but it is difficult to justify a risky investment in an unproven technology. In the context of the aerospace and defense industry, new technology must meet stringent security standards in addition to being compatible with legacy systems. This thesis defines a collaborative framework for successful augmented reality technology development and implementation, including a process to identify a use case, define requirements, and evaluate existing commercial off-the-shelf solutions. The thesis application case study is motivated to support strategic development at Raytheon Technologies – Raytheon Missiles & Defense. The objectives include proposals for technology down selection and development processes to enable augmented reality capabilities for operations and sustainment of fielded products and to leverage those capabilities for additional applications.