Why VR Is a Game Changer for US Air Force Pilot Training

The United States military prides itself on being at the forefront of technology, and the Air Force is no exception. Like the Army and Navy, the air service branch has incorporated the use of virtual reality into US Air Force pilot training, using high-end VR headsets ^[1] for everything from realistic training scenarios to simulated advanced stealth missions.

Virtual reality saves the US Air Force pilot training program time and money while effectively preparing pilots, engineers, and mechanics for the realities of the job. Here’s how VR is changing the game for the next generation of Air Force personnel.

What Role Does VR Play in US Air Force Training?

While the military uses virtual reality for a number of applications ^[2] , including recruitment, training is perhaps where the technology is having its biggest impact. Naturally, pilots are among those who benefit the most from Air Force simulation training in the form of realistic training scenarios meant to complement live-fly sorties. In a 2020 press release ^[3] commemorating the opening of the Virtual Test and Training Center at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, Air Force Warfare Center analyst Peter Zupas stated that the tech “will allow personnel to increase the number of sorties that otherwise wouldn’t be regularly available to them in live fly.”

It’s not just pilots that benefit from Air Force VR training; the engineers and mechanics who work on complex military equipment — including planes — are also learning skills in a safe, simulated environment made possible by virtual reality technology. The same year the VTTC opened, the Air Force Education and Training Command developed a competency-based VR/AR program ^[4] for aircraft maintenance. Like with VR pilot training, the AETC’s program allows its mechanics and engineers to hone their skills in a safe environment while eliminating the possibility of making costly mistakes.

To learn more about the increasingly vital role virtual reality plays in the United States military, read about how Street Smarts VR leverages HTC VIVE’s enterprise-grade platform for next-generation training ^[5] .

Benefits of VR in US Air Force Pilot Training

Saves Time & Money

In 2018, at a time when VR training in the military was still in its infancy, the Air Force trained and certified 13 pilots ^[6] using HTC VIVE headsets. These pilots, who were part of the inaugural class of the Air Force’s Pilot Training Next program, earned their wings in just four months, as opposed to the typical training time of one year. Even better for military budget planners, using Air Force VR instruction costs about $1,000 per unit, as opposed to $4.5 million for a “legacy simulator.”

According to Chris Verret ^[7] , President and Co-founder of HTX Labs , “One study we were involved in showed that immersive technology improved training efficiency by almost 50%.” This increased efficiency is what helps reduce training time; pilots can go from one simulated scenario to another in a manner of seconds. And unlike traditional simulators, VR sims incorporate biometrics like heart monitors and pupil measurement, which helps instructors be sure their students are really engaging with the process.

Replaces Outdated Legacy Systems

Not only are those traditional simulators more expensive and time-consuming for pilots, many also go hand-in-hand with tedious administrative work. This includes manual and handwritten files, according to Maj. Gen. Craig Wills ^[8] , which makes it challenging to centralize the data and compare results accurately.

On the other hand, VR headsets are capable of producing comprehensive data and storing it safely. “One of the big initiatives in AETC we're trying to move towards is this thing called an Airman Learning Record,” Wills explained in 2021. Transitioning to this cloud-based online record requires the kind of “hardcore data” that more modern technology can provide, leaving those legacy systems in the dust.

Helps Avoid Unnecessary Risks

It’s no secret that joining the military comes with risks, and service people across all branches readily accept those risks in order to serve their country. However, VR can help mitigate some of those dangers by replacing life-and-death situations with simulated scenarios. “Anything that’s expensive or risky screams VR training,” said Robert Murtha, Director of Innovation for Clarity ^[9] .

As Murtha put it, “There are desired outcomes that relate to once-in-a-lifetime national security situations that can’t be rehearsed — or are really expensive or disruptive.” In other words, VR allows the Air Force to minimize unnecessary risks to both pilots and equipment during the training process.

Reduces Reliance on Physical Aircraft

Obviously, planes and choppers are always going to be part of the US Air Force pilot training program — but what if trainees weren’t constantly waiting on craft availability in order to continue their lessons? As Zupas put it, “simulators are no substitute for live-fly operations,” but the use of virtual environments gives pilots more opportunities to hone their skills. Decreasing reliance on physical aircraft also cuts down on wear and tear and helps avoid costly mistakes.

Keeps Younger Generations Engaged

Younger generations of pilot hopefuls are particularly interested in high-tech training, which is part of the reason VR can be a powerful recruitment tool. According to Major Jesse Johnson ^[10] , today’s young adults “didn’t learn the same as we have in the past. So if we don’t start changing soon, the 17, 16, 15, 14-year-olds will not come to the Air Force because we’ll be so behind in education and training.”

With the Air Force facing a pilot shortage ^[11] , there’s no better time to replace outdated training programs with the kind of high-end technology that attracts new recruits. Virtual reality fighter training has proven especially effective amongst fifth-generation pilots training for advanced stealth missions ^[12] , with students performing especially well with the ultra-modern F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. It’s clear that technology is a priority to the next generation of pilots, and the Air Force should make it a priority as well.

HTC VIVE: Transforming US Air Force Pilot Training

The Air Force has been linked with trailblazing science and advanced technology for its entire 75-year history ^[13] , so it’s no surprise to find this branch leveraging virtual reality to more effectively train the next generation of pilots, mechanics, and engineers. HTC VIVE has been at the forefront of Air Force simulation training with industry-leading VR headsets that can recreate a variety of military scenarios while providing much-needed data. Ready to learn more? Contact HTC VIVE to get started.

^[1] Source: The 9 Must-Have Features of a Military VR Headset, https://business.vive.com/us/stories/military-vr-headset

^[2] Source: What Is the Use of VR in Military Applications? 8 Examples Making the Biggest Impacts, https://business.vive.com/us/stories/use-of-vr-in-military/

^[3] Source: US Air Force, https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2322260/virtual-training-center-leverages-enhanced-warfighter-capabilities/

^[4] Source: Aerospace Manufacturing and Design, https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/article/air-force-develops-aircraft-maintenance-vrar-training/

^[5] Source: HTC VIVE, https://business.vive.com/us/stories/street-smarts-vr-leverages-vive-enterprise-deliver-next-generation-military-training/

^[6] Source: Task and Purpose, https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-vr-pilot-training/

^[7] Source: Developing Military-Grade VR Training Solutions, https://business.vive.com/us/stories/developing-military-vr-training-solutions/

^[8] Source: Military.com, https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/03/26/air-forces-virtual-reality-fighter-training-working-best-5th-gen-pilots.html

^[9] Source: Developing Military-Grade VR Training Solutions, https://business.vive.com/us/stories/developing-military-vr-training-solutions/

^[10] Source: Texas Monthly, https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/air-force-virtual-reality-training/

^[11] Source: Air Force Times, https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/10/10/air-force-hopes-to-train-1500-new-pilots-each-year-by-2022-to-help-solve-shortage/

^[12] Source: Military.com, https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/03/26/air-forces-virtual-reality-fighter-training-working-best-5th-gen-pilots.html

^[13] Source: Air Force, https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3184324/commentary-the-air-force-and-trailblazing-science-have-been-linked-for-75-years/