Royal Air Force Cyclists will ride from RAF Valley in North Wales to DSEI at London’s ExCeL wearing Elbit Systems’ Augmented Reality Smart Glasses in order to raise money for SSAFA.
London, UK – 28 August 2019 – Starting on 5th September 2019, four members of the UK Royal Air Force Cycling Association will conduct a 1900 mile (3050 km) ride, raising money for SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity. They will be wearing Everysight Raptor smart glasses throughout the journey. A spin-off from Elbit Systems, Everysight Raptor glasses are designed for cycling and use Augmented Reality (AR) technology developed by Elbit for fighter jet helmet mounted display systems including the RAF Lightning II. Sponsored by Elbit Systems UK and in conjunction with the RAF Cycling Association, the “Ride Like a Pilot” project will give the cyclists the latest cutting edge-technology while raising money for a cause close to all our hearts.
For the Ride Like a Pilot challenge, the four RAF cyclists will ride for five days and cover 80-110 miles (130-180 km) per day, with each individual cyclist covering approximately 475 miles (765 km). The route will start at RAF Valley on Anglesey, North Wales (home of fast jet UK Military Flying Training) and will pass through a number of other bases including RAF Marham (where the Lighting II 5th generation fighter jet is based), finishing on 11 September 2019 at London’s ExCeL, for the DSEI exhibition.
The cycling team will be welcomed at DSEI by Martin Fausset, ESUK CEO, the Vice Chairman of SSAFA, Wg Cdr (rtd) Kirsty Bushell, and senior military VIPs. During the ride there will be updates on https://www.elbitsystems-uk.com/ridelikeapilot.
The cycling team will be composed of SAC Claire Weston, CT Ross Mallen, Wg Cdr Jon Warren and Sqn Ldr Martin Pearson, all of whom are keen cyclists and between them have more than 50 years in the RAF.
Contributions are welcome and anyone can donate via this link https://www.elbitsystems-uk.com/ridelikeapilot.
James Grant, Head of Corporate Fundraising & Events at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity said:
“We are delighted that the RAF Cycling Team, supported by Elbit Systems UK, are raising funds for SSAFA with this cycling event. As a military charity with a roster of adrenaline-fuelled challenge events, this exciting technology strikes a particular chord. We wish all of the riders luck and will be supporting them every step of the way “
Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK said:
“We are full of admiration for the RAF cyclists who have committed to the arduous Ride Like a Pilot challenge, whilst fundraising for SSAFA, who do so much to support both serving and former members of the Armed Forces. The Raptor AR smart glasses are an excellent example of Elbit Systems’ cutting-edge technology, designed for the front line, being transformed into innovative and original equipment for a civilian use.”
Noted to editors:
About Elbit Systems UK
Elbit Systems UK Ltd (ESUK) holds four wholly-owned subsidiaries as well as two joint ventures. In total, over 500 personnel are employed by the ESUK companies in the UK, in high tech roles in the defence, aerospace and rail sectors. The two joint ventures were formed in order to deliver the Watchkeeper programme for the British Army and to supply and support three fleets of aircraft within the UK MOD Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) programme.
About Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international high technology company engaged in a wide range of defence, homeland security and commercial programmes throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (“C4ISR”), unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, signal intelligence systems, data links and communications systems, radios and cyber-based systems. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing platforms, developing new technologies for defence, homeland security and commercial applications and providing a range of support services, including training and simulation systems.
About Everysight:
Everysight is a consumer augmented reality company spun out of Elbit Systems Ltd, an international high technology company engaged in a wide range of defense, homeland security and commercial programs throughout the world. Among other achievements, Elbit Systems is a market leader in advanced fighter jet and rotary wing Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) systems. Backed by external investors, Everysight is revolutionizing the way people see and experience information. With decades developing vision systems and Head-Up Displays (HUD), the Everysight team is bringing its cutting-edge experience to the field of wearable technology.
About Raptor:
The Raptor AR smart glasses bring the fighter jet pilot experience to cycling through technology which was developed by an Elbit Systems’ technology spin-off: Everysight. Using patented BEAMTM projection technology, Raptor’s transparent see-through display overlays sharp, high-resolution information into the user’s line of sight, onboard computing, and wireless sensor connectivity.
The Raptor AR smart glasses enable cyclists to boost their training and so improve race day performance. Raptor’s on-lens projection displays real-time information such as turn-by-turn navigation, time, distance, speed, heart rate, cadence and power, while reducing eyestrain and keeping a rider’s vision clear. A look-and-shoot camera captures high definition video that can be uploaded and analysed post-ride. Videos can also be shared with friends and followers through any social media channel.
About SSAFA:
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Last year our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 82,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts, and their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. We are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
Contacts:
Victoria Mackarness
CMS Strategic
+44 7852 128075
Dana Tal-Noyman
Manager Corporate Communications & Digital – Elbit Systems
+972 54 999 8809
Georgia Pickering
Managing Director – CMS Strategic
+44 (0) 20 7866 2487
ElbitSystems-UK@cmsstrategic.com
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