Aircrew readiness needs are changing rapidly yet historical technology and training practices cannot support these requirements. Specifically, the USAF’s family of simulators have not kept pace with the necessity to integrate platforms for training resulting in stove-piped, limited training experiences and reduced readiness. Specific issues include a lack of congruence with current platform capabilities, inaccurate simulated threats and experiences, and a lack of access to high-end integrated simulation environments. Accordingly, the USAF conducted a study of graduate level pilots across 12 airframes to inform resourcing and advanced training gaps with a focus on “Night One” readiness.
Specifically, objective and subjective training and readiness data were collected to determine if current training and technology adequately support readiness across airmen in high-end platforms. Findings suggest there are several existing gaps that warrant immediate attention including: a) live-fly ranges do not meet 5th Generation, Electronic Warfare (EW), or integrated and contested training requirements, b) synthetic training venues lack sufficient fidelity, are overly scripted, and lack integration with multiple platforms resulting in negative training, c) high-fidelity synthetic training venues do not have the capacity to meet requirements and are cost prohibitive, d) distributed training networks do not support 5th Generation or EW training due to latency, and e) a multi-platform simulated environment that supports training for the contested high-end fight has not been developed. More plainly stated, “the Air Force’s projected force structure in 2030 is not capable of fighting and winning against this array of potential adversary capabilities (USAF Air Superiority 2030).” Based on these data and the demand signal to modernize, key recommendations from the Strategic Aircrew Training Investment Strategy study regarding how to balance the need for live-fly experiences with the requirement to conduct high-end training and test in simulators will be provided.
Keywords
DESIGN,FLIGHT SIMULATION,FLIGHT TRAINING,LEADERSHIP,SYNTHETIC ENVIRONMENT
Additional Keywords