Final Report project Effective fighter pilot training and education 2015-2017

Authors:

  • Sanna Aronsson
  • Henrik Artman
  • Sinna Lindquist
  • Robert Ramberg

Publish date: 2018-01-29

Report number: FOI-R--4520--SE

Pages: 60

Written in: Swedish

Keywords:

  • debriefing
  • instruction
  • LVC
  • performance measures
  • simulators
  • training
  • visualizations

Abstract

The question of what constitutes effective flight training and education is complex and can be approached in different ways. The research project "Effective fighter pilot training and education" (2015-2017) has scientifically and methodically worked on integrating pedagogical models and practical experience in flight training, taking into account organizational structures. Furthermore, systematic design work of visual support for debriefings has been conducted. This report integrates project activities, research questions and project results in a coherent description. Additional support (both tools and methods) is needed to analyze complex scenarios and measures that can pinpoint the performance of the pilot or group of pilots. Based on complex measures, two visualizations that provide an overview of the pilot's shooting moment and threat picture have been developed. Both visualizations, Missile launch and Threat range, have been evaluated in conjunction with Swedish air force fighter pilots and are presented in the report. Furthermore, the project have successfully used machine learning to categorize pilots' communication with the aim of assessing efficiency, and to identify any deficiencies through visualizations of the results. Educational models, visualizations, as well as empirical studies of simulator facilities also provide a basis for a discussion of what characterizes efficient simulator facilities and effective simulation training. Studies of the LVC (Live, Virtual & Constructive) concept, which means that training in one and the same scenario is done with real aircraft and pilots, pilots in flight simulators and artificial agents, have been conducted. Additionally, the project has introduced the concept of "LVC in everyday training", a vision of seamless integration of real aircraft and pilots in simulated aircraft. The activities of the project have largely been carried out in cooperation and in relation to the IMTR II (International Mission Training Research II) cooperation agreement with U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Within the collaboration, the project has contributed to a demonstration of LVC capabilities where FLSC were the only European participant. The project intends to continue this collaboration and focus on LVC to further approach the vision of LVC as an integral part of regular training. The report recommends a future research agenda.