Investment Strategies for Improving Fifth-Generation Fighter Training
Abstract
The U.S. Air Force is finding it increasingly difficult to safely and affordably train combat air force (CAF) aircrews so that they will be prepared for combat conditions. Increased combatant commander (CCDR) requirements coupled with reduced force structure are stretching the ability of units to support sufficient training. Reduced flying hours are insufficient to meet Ready Aircrew Program (RAP) training requirements, and training ranges are insufficient to properly train and support new combat capabilities. In addition, safety considerations, mission complexity, airspace and range restrictions, and real-world commitments and costs limit the amount of training that can be accomplished in live aircraft. Air Force training experts believe that the increased use of simulators; distributed mission operations (DMO); and new applications of live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) training--in particular, the ability to "inject" battlefield effects and simulated or constructed threats into live aircraft systems--are required to mitigate training risks. The Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements (AF/A3/5) asked RAND Project AIR FORCE to explore investment strategies that allow fifth-generation fighter aircraft to take advantage of the potential training benefits of LVC media. This technical report documents the results of RAND's research on this topic. The report examines the nature of any training gaps that might exist for fifth-generation aircraft and then uses rough cost comparisons to show that continued investments in simulators and DMO capabilities must continue before large investments are made in more exotic LVC technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA537970
Entities
People
- James H. Bigelow
- John A. Ausink
- Kevin Brancato
- William W. Taylor
Organizations
- RAND Corporation