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.
You can donate here: https://www.elbitsystems-uk.com/ridelikeapilot
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.
According to a release, 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 F-35 is based), finishing on the 11th of September 2019 at London’s ExCeL, for the DSEI exhibition.
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.”
As a cyclist myself, that’s a real challenge!
Great to see, an organisation that never forgets those who served, benefiting from it.
Good luck!