Implementing Cross-Platform VR/AR Maintenance Training to Improve Operational Readiness

Aircraft maintenance is critical to Air Force readiness. Therefore, there is immense pressure to improve the efficiency and quality of training while capturing the tacit knowledge of experienced maintainers. Virtual reality provides a highly immersive and engaging means to safely practice procedures prior to putting hands on real equipment. Augmented reality, alternatively, is ideal for training on actual equipment by providing virtual content and troubleshooting support in the real-world view. This program will develop a cross-platform maintenance training and knowledge capture capability for the Air Force by coupling two best-in-class products; one geared towards producing interactive 3D training on Desktop and VR for classroom training, the other geared towards capturing domain knowledge on real equipment using AR and mobile device for hands-on training. By adopting these technologies in a cross-platform delivery approach the Air Force can leverage the unique benefits of each technology while maintaining a seamless transition of training content across the continuum: from classroom to hands-on training.