Virtual Reality For Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training

"This paper recommends the United States Air Force (USAF) implements Virtual Reality (VR) simulators as part of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) training that can provide a costeffective and flexible learning environment for the future RPA crews. VR is the latest technology that can help USAF to meet training objectives with lower costs, and it should be the most suitable technology for RPA simulation training. VR can create the RPA cockpit immersivity with commercial equipment, and requires less space for training compare to the traditional flight simulator. RPAs can provide combatant commanders with clear situational awareness, and lift the fog of war. Due to the high demands of RPA support, the USAF must train significant amount of new RPA crews each year. However, these new RPA crews could benefit from enhanced training opportunities before they start missions in the operational environment. The Air Force Research Laboratory evaluated the USAF RPA flight mishap history, and discovered that operator error has become the predominate cause of the RPA mishaps. The researchers believe the USAF RPA training process can be changed to mitigate the human performance problems. As each mishap can cost millions of dollars to taxpayers, any improvements in RPA crew performance with an enhanced training approach can significantly reduce the unexpected expenditures. It is necessary to train RPA crews with a system that facilitates efficient simulation to increase knowledge, build teamwork, and hone critical decision-making skills. This training goal can be achieved by implementing VR simulators, which can facilitate flight simulations in a virtual environment at anytime from anywhere for instructors and students."--Abstract.