Due to advances in immersive technologies’ realism and affordability, formal military pilot training curriculums continue to incorporate more immersive tools. In most cases, these immersive technologies are used as pre-training for more costly operational flight trainer and flight events. The U.S. Air Force and Navy established Pilot Training Next and Naval Aviation Training Next, respectively, to integrate additional virtual reality and extended reality systems into training curriculums. Initial studies indicate immersive training devices are effective early training tools and enhance live flight performance. While initial results show the potential of immersive training, cognitive psychology studies conclude that massed and blocked practice are largely ineffective means of learning and retention. Analysis of the integration of immersive training devices through learning experience design (LXD) and the science of learning may yield increased efficacy and efficiency in aviation training. This paper explores the application of multiple immersive technologies in three distinct phases of military pilot training: undergraduate, air combat training continuum, and advanced qualifications. This paper first discusses immersive pilot training technologies such as traditional operational flight trainers, 360-degree videos, virtual reality and extended reality flight simulators, airborne augmented reality, and live-virtual-constructive environments in military pilot training. Second, the science of learning will be explored through learning theories, cognitive psychology, and LXD to understand the strategies and development of successful learning. Finally, the paper will present a foundational LXD informed by the science of learning. Each phase of training has unique objectives and skills which influence the desired training tools and methods. The value of immersive technologies in military aviation training cannot be fully realized unless the instructional design incorporates learning experience and the science of learning.

Keywords
FLIGHT SIMULATION, FLIGHT TRAINING, IMMERSIVE, LEARNING ANALYTICS

Additional Keywords
LEARNING EXPERIENCE DESIGN