Innovative Training Solutions (e.g. AR, VR, MR)

The objective of the SBIR Phase II is to test the hypothesis that virtual reality (VR) training systems are more efficient and effective, both from cost and mission readiness perspectives, than traditional 2-dimensional screen-based legacy systems. The integrated hardware stack is comprised of largely commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts, which helps minimize cost and maintenance requirements. Street Smarts VR will help the Security Forces Academy, the largest Squadron in the Air Force, in their adoption of virtual reality (VR)-based training. Street Smarts VR currently serves multiple non-defense law enforcement agencies, including the NYPD, and is able to rapidly adapt their existing commercial solution to Air Force stakeholder needs. The proposal focuses on deploying VR training rigs, integrating Security Forces-specific weapons, ruggedizing the hardware, and developing intuitive user guides. Improvements against the status quo will be measured regularly via surveys with students, using training data, and through interviews with training staff.