Extended Reality Laboratory Visit – A Cutting Edge Experience!
- Andrew Tucker
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
The RAFAC aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields by offering hands-on activities, competitions, and educational resources.
On Monday 18th August 2025, our Squadron cadets were extremely lucky to visit the incredibly exciting Extended Reality Laboratory (XR Lab) in Bury St Edmunds.
Opened in 2023 by the Eastern Education Group (EEG), the XR Lab is located at the University and Professional Development Centre on the West Suffolk College’s campus and the facility was inspired by the films Men in Black and 2001: A Space Odyssey.
‘The XR Lab revolutionises education by developing immersive content to create transformative learning experiences. We specialise in personalised learning, immersive content that brings education to life and is accessible to all.’
On arrival at the facility, cadets were given a presentation by XR Lab staff covering the cutting-edge technologies the facility delivers in supporting industry and academia; technologies include Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, and Artificial Intelligence. The facility also offers degree-level courses such as Interactive & Immerse Level Technology (BSc), Video Game design (BA), and Computing & Digital Technology (BSc); students from West Suffolk College use the XR Lab for their research and studying.
We were also fortunate to have Mr Theo Kacuibskyj (Senior Innovation & Growth Specialist from St John’s Innovation Centre, Cambridge University) who also presented and highlighted that VR and other such cutting-edge systems are a true game-changer for both the RAF and RAFAC.
The excellent presentations were followed by a tour of the facility including the Virtual Production Suite, Spatial Laboratory, XR Theatre and R&D Laboratory.
Cadets were then lucky enough to wear VR headsets and were captivated when immersed in an interactive space where they virtually dressed in flying kit then started up & flew their fast jet while others toured inside a nuclear reactor or raced against time to change a racing car's wheel during a pit-stop!
VR provides RAF Air Cadets with unparalleled flight simulation experiences. Using VR, cadets are able to navigate through realistic scenarios, practice decision-making under pressure, and hone their teamwork skills in a virtual world that feel incredibly real. The significance and utility of VR to the RAFAC was again highlighted in the Air Cadets Village at the recent Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).
Amongst other things, the RAF uses VR to complement advanced fast jet and helicopter flying training, and the RAF Regiment uses the VR Dismounted Close Combat training system provided through Project ASTRA. Using extended reality and AI, the RAF is also currently trialling a VR operations room where real-world air operations can be controlled remotely by key operations staff online rather than all being co-located in one physical operations room.
Just some of the uses of VR in the RAF. Pictures: raf.mod.uk
The visit to the XR Lab was extremely informative and engaging. In supporting academia and all types of industry, the cutting-edge technology is revolutionary and incredibly exciting!
863 (Thurston) Squadron are very grateful for this amazing STEM opportunity and we thank all the staff at the XR Lab and Mr Theo Kacuibskyj from the St John’s Innovation Centre, Cambridge University.
Chocks Away!
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