Boeing is developing a simulation technology that places pilots at odds against real aircraft and computer-generated enemy threats simultaneously.
The technology is being developed under a $6.3 million, three-year contract with the U.S. Air Force Research laboratory for the U.S. Air Force F-15E and the U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F aircraft. The training environment generally features an actual combat aircraft, networked with ground-based simulation computers that produce computer generated virtual threats.
"The integrated training environment can generate warfighter readiness and make aviation flight training much more effective," said John Schwering, business development leader for integrated live, virtual and constructive training at Boeing. "Training can be significantly enhanced by increasing the overall threat density with the use of more sophisticated constructive adversary aircraft and ground-based electronic warfare threats."
Boeing recently completed flight tests with the new technology featuring two F/A-18Es and two F-15Es in simulated combat between two live F-16s and 12 virtual aircraft.