Our ongoing XR projects testify to our unparalleled understanding and expertise in the effective application of XR tools and techniques in high-fidelity training. From simple cockpit familiarization trainers to fully collaborative multi-crew and multi-aircraft combat mission XR training capabilities, our work across multiple training domains has revealed how to best implement XR training and has focused our IR&D to address critical challenges. Our solutions are technology agnostic and we select the right hardware and software for each training application. Through these efforts, we aim to facilitate 'anytime, anywhere' learning, leverage real-time intelligent tutoring systems to personalize the learning experience, significantly lower training expenses, and ultimately enhance on-the-job performance.
EXTENDING REALITY, IMPROVING OUTCOMES
Vertex was selected as a prime contractor and integrator for the PTT program issued by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). PTT, the successor to the USAF’s PTN program, is streamlining pilot training and scaling XR flight training across undergraduate pilot training. Vertex develops and integrates current and future PTT software and hardware components as required by program goals, provides hardware solutions for the cockpit simulation environment, and provides on-premises network and data architecture hardware and support for delivered training systems. We develop, maintain, and support complete Immersive Training Device (ITD), portable ITD (pITD), Immersive Content Device (ICD), and Instructor Operator Station (IOS) solutions based on state-of-the-art commercial simulation environments, hardware solutions for the cockpit simulation environment, and ancillary software elements as required.
PTT in the news:
- 19th Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Craig D. “Pulse” Wills, praises Vertex's ITDs
- Defense News features Vertex's lightweight simulators
- 559th FTS pilots praise Vertex's ITDs
- Vertex Solutions Delivers Flight Training in Any Location and in Limited Bandwidth with Cesium for Unreal and Cesium ion
- DIU, Air Education and Training Command Partner To Develop Modern, Data-Enabled Virtual Pilot Training Capabilities
This program develops XR crew stations for AC-J crewmembers to support individual and collective crew training, from checklists and EPs to full-mission combat scenarios. The VR-CMT will be DMO capable to support integration with larger exercises. It will augment existing full-motion simulators and allow AFSOC to train up to four additional crews per year. The VR-CMT is a portable, expandable, and mission-ready device that can be used by operational units to both maintain readiness and perform mission preparation in any scenario anywhere in the world.
The 355 Training Readiness Squadron relies heavily on high-cost-to-operate training solutions, such as large simulators and aircraft flying hours, to accomplish both initial and continuation training. Similarly, mission rehearsals and CAS exercises require significant simulator time for interface preparation or actual aircraft and travel costs. All of these factors drive significant delays in initial training and significant costs for continuation training.
Vertex’s A-10C simulator will decrease dependence on these systems and, in turn, reduce training costs and improve training capability.
VTRAT is a two-person collaborative XR trainer that allows a pilot and a spotter to work together to identify antiaircraft threats and employ the appropriate tactics to avoid them. VTRAT includes certified threat models with high-fidelity threat characteristics, including visual signature and flight behaviors rendered in the VR environment. The current project is developed on a KC-10 VR cockpit.
This XR training solution will help train to proficiency some of the more difficult or dangerous tasks that cause large downtime for aircraft. The initial development will be an XR trainer to simulate the fuels bay work that is accomplished in fuel-cell maintenance. Mistakes in this area cause aircraft to be down in excess of a week. Vertex’s AC-J maintenance trainer will help train these tasks without the risk to personnel in the tank or damage to the aircraft.
UBASim is a mobile & man-portable MR training solution designed to train students to properly execute emergency procedures (EPs) and includes an intelligent tutor to monitor, store, and report student progress, provide remediation, and adjust training scenarios based on student performance. UBASim implements a high-fidelity physics models that enables precise simulation of the behavior of the MK 16 UBA system. A USB plug-and-play emulator accurately reproduces an operational MK 16 diving rig and all its components, including secondary display, oxygen and diluent gauges, and oxygen and diluent bypass valves and hand wheels. The system includes wearable motion sensors that enable trainees to swim using body motions—maximizing immersion and more realistically simulating cognitive load during EPs.
UBASim in the news:
