AF researchers showcase integrated training capabilities

  • Published
  • By Elizabeth Long
  • 711th Human Performance Wing
ORLANDO, Florida (AFNS) --  Researchers from the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing Human Effectiveness directorate's Warfighter Readiness Research division showcased their integrated training capabilities at the 2010 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Their mission is to develop science and technology solutions to improve the ability of warfighters to realistically train as they would fight, while reducing costs and increasing the availability of training systems through integrated training.

The demonstrations centered on the division's concept of a family of complementary trainers that are open and flexible using a variety of tools and technologies available from many sources. The demonstration linked division and partner tools and technologies, such as remotely piloted aircraft mission training devices together with other relevant devices, such as joint terminal attack controller and AWACS trainers in integrated theater combat operations training research sets of scenarios.

"The combination of these training devices and the application of open standards and gateways create a realistic and flexible enterprise in which more robust scenarios can provide warfighters with more comprehensive and cost-effective training," explained the technical adviser for continuous learning and performance assessment research with the Warfighter Readiness Research Division.

During the conference, AFRL researchers used a distributed network to pull in participants and partners from other U.S. services -- and from an allied nation -- to permit them to rehearse highly complex scenarios using a mix of local and distant virtual and constructive players.

During one of the demonstrations, an MQ-9 Reaper simulator sensor operator instructor said he was impressed with the integrated scenario.

"It is good to be able to expose students to the various platforms and assets working together," he said. "In the theater, you sometimes have multiple platforms -- this integrated training is a good portrayal."

An Air National Guard pilot flew an A-10C Thunderbolt jet fighter in one of the scenarios. "It is good training in that you can talk to the JTAC to see where you are at and where you are holding, to have deconfliction and work with other assets like the remotely piloted aircraft and various jet fighters," he explained.