How simulation is speeding up the RAF pilot pipeline

The Royal Air Force is increasingly relying on synthetic training technology to accelerate pilot development and reduce the number of training sorties that need to be repeated, the UK Defence Journal understands.

Air Commodore Rob Caine, speaking as part of an RAF feature on simulation, framed the rationale in terms of cognitive capacity, drawing on research establishing that human beings have only five to seven chunks of conscious capacity at any one time. “Operating within a battle space is so complex; with unmanned threats, enemy fighter jets, ground to air threats, your own friendly forces and maintaining comms channels means you don’t have time to think, oh, where’s that switch, again,” he said. The aim of simulation training is to commit as much procedural knowledge as possible to what he describes as the “unconscious competence box,” freeing pilots to focus on mission objectives rather than basic aircraft operation.

The RAF’s use of simulated training dates to 1910, when a model cockpit was first introduced, though it was not until the 1950s that a computerised simulator was built for pilots. Air Commodore Caine recalls beginning his own training with a cardboard cockpit, a method he describes as genuinely effective for familiarising pilots with cockpit layout before they ever fly. A significant step forward came in 1998 and 1999 with the introduction of the Hawk T1 simulator, which introduced visual systems and a record and replay function allowing instructors to load a perfect demonstration for trainees to observe from the cockpit, complete with stick movements.

A layered training approach introduced 15 years ago now structures progression from computer-aided instruction through desktop trainers and flying training devices before trainees reach a full mission simulator. “We have to be conscious of how we use the tools, and not let negative behavioural patterns develop,” Air Commodore Caine cautioned, noting that certain physical habits practised in simulators do not translate to real aircraft.

At the leading edge of the RAF’s synthetic training infrastructure is the Gladiator system, based at RAF Waddington. The system connects simulators across air, land and sea forces through a single central hub, enabling all three services to train together in a shared environment. Allied and partner nations can also connect directly into Gladiator, allowing RAF pilots to train alongside counterparts from the French, German and United States air forces in scenarios including dogfighting, formation flying and low-level navigation.

More recent developments include virtual and mixed reality headsets that allow pilots to see and interact with elements of the simulator in real time, and augmented reality headsets that can be used during live flying. “Instructors can load an enemy jet of any kind into the programme, and it is projected into the pilot’s headset, it will look and fly just like the real thing,” said Air Commodore Caine. The practical benefit is a reduction in the aircraft and personnel required per training mission. “Normally for such missions you’d need two jets, two pilots and two instructors. Now all you need is one jet, one pilot and one instructor. Each recruit gets more sets and reps of flying training missions, and that’s the greatest determining factor in a recruit succeeding.”

The RAF said the technology has already produced measurable results, with a reduction in the number of training sorties that must be reflown because a recruit has not met the required objectives, and more recruits passing the course overall.