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Feb 28, 2023
Virtual reality accelerates helicopter aviator training

The first six students to take part in the experimental VR-augmented training program — called Rotary Wing Next and nicknamed “Project da Vinci" after the famed inventor — graduated at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Oct. 11, Air Education and Training Command said in release that day.

Ultimately, the Air Force hopes to cut its vertical-lift aviator training from 28 weeks to 14 weeks, and to double the number of students it produces each year from 60 to 120, without adding more aircraft or flying hours.

“We’re seeing the vast potential of this program unfold right in front of us,” said Lt. Col. Jake Brittingham, commander of the 23rd Flying Training Squadron at Fort Rucker.

Project da Vinci is yet another addition to the Air Force’s rapidly expanding Pilot Training Next program. In February 2018, the Air Force began testing a system in Austin, Texas, using virtual reality goggles, advanced flight simulators, artificial intelligence and biometrics to teach aspiring aviators how to fly.

The Air Force feels the program has been a success, and is planning variations — under the rubric “Learning Next” — to teach other airmen how to do technical jobs such as maintenance. The Air Force has also brought the virtual reality pilot program to the Air Force Academy, and is planning a version for flying remotely-piloted aircraft.

Brittingham said in the release that the first Project da Vinci test, which supplemented flights in actual aircraft with virtual reality, cut aircraft flying time by about 35 percent. The students also got 15 more hours of practice time at aircraft controls by using virtual reality.

The program still used older, non-VR simulators for some events, Brittingham said.


The students who arrived at this specialized undergraduate pilot training-helicopter class on May 7 had no idea they would be the first to test VR training, Brittingham said, and took their first spin in a simulator the next day.


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