Ideas Taking Flight: ONR TechSolutions Unveils Cutting-Edge Realistic Flight Simulator

A groundbreaking advancement in aviation training has emerged at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi, aimed at enhancing future Navy pilots’ preparedness. The new T-45C Goshawk mixed-reality simulator, also known as Project Link, was recently showcased, highlighting its innovative features. This development, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research TechSolutions program, enables a blend of virtual reality with a physical cockpit.

The genesis of Project Link can be traced back to a request from Lt. Cmdr. Geoffrey Dick, T-45C chief standardization pilot at Naval Air Training Command (CNATRA). This new simulator responds to the need for more efficient and practical pilot training methods. TechSolutions, known for rapidly sponsoring prototype solutions based on direct requests from Sailors and Marines worldwide, spearheaded the project.

Jason Payne, the director of TechSolutions, underscored the swift transformation from request to deliverable. “We received a request about a year ago and began working on the solution for a mixed-reality training program almost immediately,” said Payne. “The development team at Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division quickly prototyped the solution, and we’re now delivering a new capability to the fleet.”

This advanced training tool allows future pilots to hone their skills within a simulated environment before actual flight. Such training is expected to save both time and funds for the Department of the Navy and taxpayers, even though the overall training period remains unchanged. Lt. Cmdr. Dick emphasized that this new system enables students to physically engage with the cockpit, reducing risks associated with initial in-flight training.

Mixed reality, combining elements of both virtual and augmented reality, overlays digital content onto the physical world, thereby revolutionizing the training sphere. The ability to interact with a mixed-reality cockpit allows for more realistic and immersive learning experiences.

Instructor pilot Lt. Jonathan “Bichón” Jackson tested the simulator and noted the tangible benefits. “We now have the ability to repeatedly expose students to these sight pictures numerous times before they encounter them in the aircraft. This allows them to practice these skill sets independently,” Jackson stated. “In a challenging training environment, this technology accelerates learning curves and enhances retention of lessons-learned during flight.”

Dr. Jessica Jones, deputy director of TechSolutions, attended the demonstration and praised the development team’s realism efforts. “Seeing pilots interact with the controls independently was a testament to the simulator’s realistic design,” she remarked.

Payne reiterated TechSolutions’ commitment to harnessing insights from Sailors and Marines. He encouraged warfighters to communicate their needs directly to the TechSolutions team for potential solutions that could enhance mission fulfillment.