The second episode of Weapons and Warfare explores how the U.S. Air Force is leveraging extended reality (XR)–an umbrella term for virtual, mixed and augmented reality–to redefine the training experience for aspiring helicopter pilots. The system, modeled after the TH-1H Huey helicopter, combines virtual and mixed-reality environments, allowing airmen to engage in hands-on training by manipulating switches and gauges.
This XR training, which has been in use for a few years, offers numerous benefits, according to experts.
“It best replicates the actual operational environment. It allows us to provide, essentially, on the job training,” said Dennis Wikoff, the president and COO of Vertex Solutions.
“We use it for all types of profiles, emergency procedures, training, instrument training, and then eventually what we’re trying to do is get it where we’ll have multiple devices that can be paired together, they supply information on a mission environment,” said Maj. Paul Ferris, an Air Force helicopter pilot.
One notable advantage is the system’s cost effectiveness, as it requires a smaller footprint compared to traditional motion simulators. The system’s accessibility is contributing to a faster graduation rate for student pilots, too.
A 2019 Air Force Times article reported a class graduating six weeks ahead of schedule thanks to the training method.
The integration of tactile feel with virtual reality sets this multiplayer mixed reality trainer apart. Pilots have access to physical controls like cyclic, collective, and tailrotor pedals while being fully immersed in both mixed- and virtual-reality environments through head-mounted displays.
The Air Force, acknowledging the evolving nature of aviation training, recently overhauled its helicopter training program in 2021. The requirement for helicopter pilots to undergo fixed-wing training before helicopter training has been eliminated.
“And the reason behind that is you’re focusing on core competencies of being a helicopter pilot,” Ferris said. “I don’t need to teach a helicopter pilot how to go upside down or do anything like that. Or actually, you know, that would be very bad if he did. So by teaching them how to hover and the operation of flying the helicopter is really one that saves us lots of time, which translates to money overall.”
This shift in training strategy aims to address the Air Force’s pilot shortage, a challenge detailed in a recent report by the San Antonio Express News.
With a shortfall of 2,000 pilots, the Air Force is exploring new retention strategies, including substantial bonuses. The XR training presents itself as an immediate and advanced opportunity for prospective pilots.
“I think this approach is really going to revolutionize aviation training in general,” Wikoff said. “Once we can get to a level where we can get FAA certification, it will create the ability where now pilots don’t have to travel to a centralized training facility.”
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