Personal Information
- Name: Britta Fukuoka
- Position/Title: Project Manager
- Department: Project Management & Systems Engineering, Diehl Aerospace GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
Professional Background
Briefly describe your professional background and area of expertise:
I hold an M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Stuttgart. My academic journey was complemented by four years of research at the Institute of Science in Tokyo, where I focused on the dynamic behavior of satellite structures. Afterward, I worked as a project engineer in Japan, developing AI and IoT solutions for the public and industrial sectors. Last year, I returned to Germany and re-entered the aerospace field by taking on a project manager role at Diehl Aerospace.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this related field, e.g., aviation etc?:
Engineering always appealed to me because it allows me to combine my interests in design and science. Aerospace, with its unique challenges—whether designing for space or ensuring aircraft safety—has always fascinated me. It’s the kind of work that pushes me to learn and grow, which makes it deeply rewarding..
“ EPIIC operates on the cutting edge of aviation technology, and its international scope offers a rare chance to learn from diverse perspectives across Europe.”
Role in EPIIC
What is your role in the EPIIC project?
In the EPIIC project, my team and I focus on developing innovative display solutions for the future fighter cockpit, specifically large-area displays, as well as canopy projections. We are working to enhance the pilot’s interface, allowing for more intuitive and adaptable displays.
Can you describe your main responsibilities and tasks?
As the project manager, I do my best to ensure my team has the resources and environment they need to succeed. I also support them with technical tasks whenever possible, as I have a background in engineering myself. Additionally, I help coordinate with our international partners and assist in organizing events, such as the demonstration day last December in Frankfurt, to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.
How does your work contribute to the overall goals of the EPIIC project?
EPIIC stands for ‘Enhanced Pilot Interfaces & Interactions for Fighter Cockpit.’ I contribute to the technical goal by ensuring the Diehl team has the resources and environment they need to succeed in their research. Through my active role as a liaison with our partners, I contribute directly to EPIIC's objective of establishing a collaborative European ecosystem that will hopefully boost the European aviation industry for years to come.
“ I contribute directly to EPIIC's objective of establishing a collaborative European ecosystem that will hopefully boost the European aviation industry for years to come.”
Project Insights
What do you find most exciting about working on the EPIIC project?
I find it exciting to be involved in a project that operates on the cutting edge of aviation technology. The international aspect of the project also offers a great opportunity to learn from others with diverse expertise and perspectives.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your work on this project?
Since I joined the project midway, it’s been a bit of a challenge to quickly familiarize myself with the technical details and terminology. However, I’ve enjoyed the learning process and am grateful for the support of my team and colleagues in this regard.
Can you share a significant milestone or achievement your team has reached so far?
One key achievement was developing a demonstrator with an autostereoscopic display, which offers pilots a more intuitive way to interact with mission data. It was an important step forward, and we were fortunate to be able to showcase it at events like the demonstration day in Frankfurt, the annual event in Sweden, and the Air Force Tech Summit in Berlin.
“ We developed a demonstrator with an autostereoscopic display, offering pilots a more intuitive way to interact with mission data—an important step forward in cockpit innovation.”
Personal Experience
What have you learned during your time working on EPIIC?
I’ve learned a great deal about display technologies and the unique requirements when designing displays for flight-critical data. Additionally, I’ve come to realize how challenging it can be to develop fully European solutions for display technologies in today’s global economy.
How has this project influenced your professional development?
Working on EPIIC has been a valuable experience, both professionally and personally. I’ve had the chance to build international connections, and I hope these relationships will continue to be fruitful in the future. I also feel that the skills and knowledge we’re gaining in display technology will be useful in future projects, both within the military context and beyond.
Fun Facts
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?:
I’ve always liked travelling and spending time in Japan has taught me the joy of culinary travelling. My Japanese friends have infected me with their curiosity about new foods and showed me the delight it brings —both to oneself and to the locals when trying their cultural dishes.
Share a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know:
After high school, I spent a year studying at a private art school. For my final project, I had an ambitious idea for a large-scale contraption, but my teacher advised me against building it. She stated: ‘If you want to build that you will need an engineering degree.’ Well, I have the engineering degree now, but I never built that contraption —maybe it's time to revisit the idea!
Closing Thoughts
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with the EPIIC project?
I’d like to express my gratitude to the Diehl team and all of our international partners for making me feel welcome and for the strong, collaborative spirit we’ve shared so far. I’m looking forward to the continued success of the project and to working with such a talented group of people.