Virtual Reality Training for Aircraft Shutdown Procedures with VALOR

It is difficult to train and maintain readiness levels for low-frequency, high-impact events. Often, these scenarios are dangerous, expensive, and complex to simulate in the real world. When they occur, they require rapid response with limited margin for error. Through previous research, Diamond Age Technology, as well as research partner NC State, have developed virtual training solutions to address these issues. The 147th Attack Wing expressed a need for this type of product for general firefighter training and specific events, including an F-16 shut down procedure. Current F-16 firefighter training utilizes text documents and schematics, and rarely allows for interaction with an actual F-16 asset, as that requires taking the aircraft out of service. Low-frequency training decreases knowledge retention, and increases the likelihood that a firefighter will respond to an event without having interacted with the specific asset. VALOR has similar applications in commercial markets outside government, particularly in industrial environments where health and safety are top priorities. Our virtual reality platform, VALOR, initially developed with the Houston Fire Department under a two-year federal grant, simulates dynamic scenarios with high-fidelity interactions, software-guided training, and tracked metrics. Diamond Age Technology proposes developing virtual reality training for aircraft shutdown procedures with VALOR.