Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in Red 6

Lockheed Martin Ventures has invested in Red 6, a Santa Monica, CA-based firm specializing in synthetic training.

Red 6 said in its announcement today that it will use the funds to "accelerate the development and commercialization of Red 6's ATARS (Airborne Tactical Augmented Reality System)."

In the statement, Daniel Robinson, Red 6's chief executive, said ATARS allows pilots flying in real airplanes to maneuver against synthetically generated enemies.

"Working with aerospace leaders such as Lockheed Martin, who understand the value of our technology and how to integrate it into current and future platforms, is incredibly important," he added. "In that sense, we view Red 6's relationship with Lockheed Martin as an important long-term working relationship."

Red 6 said it has been working with the Air Force's AFWERX program for two years.

Lockheed Martin Ventures, the venture capital arm of the world's largest defense contractor, last year invested in nine new companies and made more than 30 follow-on investments.

Posting on LinkedIn today, Chris Moran, who heads Lockheed Martin Ventures, said Red 6 is “ahead of the game on the future of combat training and we're glad to partner with the team.”