Training military B-52 pilots is resource-intensive and time-consuming, necessitating extensive flight hours to master the skills for mission success. This research builds upon previous efforts aimed at validating Virtual Reality (VR) training for United States Air Force (USAF) pilots, particularly focusing on the in-air refueling task for the B-52 aircraft. The primary objective of this project is to evaluate whether USAF pilots trained using VR technology experience a reduction in training duration and/or the number of sorties needed to achieve proficiency compared to historical data from non-VR-trained pilots undertaking the same in-air refueling task. Data was analyzed from VR-trained against non-VR-trained B-52 pilots for time (in minutes) and sortie counts to proficiency. Eye-tracking technology and the NASA-TLX questionnaire were utilized to evaluate the cognitive load of the trainees across the four-step process between the VR and in-air environments. Differences in participants' cognitive load at different points during the training program and in different environments were observed enabling a deeper assessment of the environmental training impacts. Pre- and post-training questionnaires were employed to gather background information and subjective feedback from the trainees. A reduction in class averages of the number of sorties required to reach proficiency was observed with VR-trained classes. The key outcome of this research is developing a training transfer model tailored to seamlessly integrate VR technology with conventional aviation training environments, paving the way for enhanced mission readiness and operational excellence.
Keywords
AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY (AR/VR);COGNITIVE;FLIGHT SIMULATION;FLIGHT TRAINING
Additional Keywords
EYE-TRACKING