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Virtual reality updates obsolete A-10 trainer

  • Published
  • By Victoria Brayton
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  In just six months, Sheppard Air Force Base and Southwest Research Institute, transformed an obsolete legacy trainer into a state-of-the-art system by using virtual reality. 

The Generalized Operations Simulation Environment program allows weapons chiefs and crew chiefs from the 362nd and 363rd Training squadrons to train on the outdated A-10 cockpit models while experiencing the upgraded A-10C system through a virtual reality overlay.

"This is the first time a virtual environment has been combined with the constrained environment of an actual aircraft," said Malachi Weirpts, senior research analyst from Southwest Research Institute.

The $200,000 system -- in place since last week -- utilizes an optical tracking system, a visor and gloves with tracking markers and pressure sensors on the tips of the user's index fingers.

"When you look at the trainer, it's a typical A-10A cockpit. But when you look through the virtual reality (visor), you see a C-model cockpit," said training technology manager Steven Brite. "You actually feel like you're sitting in a cockpit, and when you put the visor on it looks and feels like the new model."

He said the simulation is actually fairly easy to use and instructors have already checked to make sure it is working properly.

"That's the whole idea of having the simulation, that you can just sit in it and learn," Mr. Brite said.

Calling the system the "latest and greatest in training," Mr. Brite said the GOSE program is also easy for instructors to customize and keep current by adding or deleting aspects of the course as they see fit.

If the system proves to be sufficient, there will be no need to incur the costs of purchasing an actual A-10C cockpit for training.

"We basically have a trainer in place before the Air Force is fully operational in this type of aircraft or trainer," Mr. Brite said.

Additionally, Mr. Brite said it's possible for this concept to expand into further projects, such as updating all the other legacy trainers. The GOSE system can move to other bases and other purposes aside from cockpit implementation, like flightline marshalling where an aircraft could virtually respond to gestures.