Training effectiveness and validation of a VR HMD-based simulator for air force pilots

Area of Science:

• Aviation Psychology
• Human Factors Engineering
• Military Training Technology

Background:

• Modernizing Air Force training is crucial for enhancing pilot proficiency.
• Virtual Reality (VR) head-mounted displays (HMDs) offer immersive training environments.
• The Overhead Break (OHB) maneuver is a fundamental piloting skill requiring precise execution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of VR HMDs for training the OHB maneuver in novice pilots.
• To compare the performance of novice pilots trained in VR with expert pilots.
• To assess whether VR training translates to improved performance in traditional flight training devices (FTDs) and live flights.

Main Methods:

• Experiment 1 (E1): Novice pilots trained on the OHB maneuver using a VR HMD simulator, with performance compared to expert pilots. Cybersickness was also assessed.
• Experiment 2 (E2): Compared OHB scores in an FTD and live flight between novice pilots who completed E1 and a control group.

Main Results:

• Experts significantly outperformed novices on the OHB maneuver in the VR simulator.
• Both novice and expert groups showed significant improvement in the VR simulator over time.
• Cybersickness was negligible in VR training.
• No significant difference in FTD or live flight OHB scores was found between novice pilots who underwent VR training and those who did not.

Conclusions:

• VR HMD flight trainers are valid, effective, and safe for teaching the OHB maneuver.
• VR training alone was insufficient to enhance performance in subsequent FTD or live flight assessments.
• Further research is needed to bridge the gap between VR training and real-world flight performance.