THE DIFFICULTIES OF TRAINING MILITARY PILOTS

ABSTRACT

The article examines modern methods of training military pilots, including technical, physical and psychological components. The article analyzes the use of VR simulators, AI technologies and neurotraining, which can increase the effectiveness of training by 25-40%. Special attention is paid to the challenges: the high cost of simulators, the shortage of instructors and psychological and physiological stress. Based on data from the RAND Corporation and MIT (2023-2024), the need for a balance between technology and the human factor in learning is shown.

Keywords: military pilots, VR simulators, artificial intelligence, psychological training, overloads.

The training of military pilots remains one of the most important tasks of the armed forces, due to the rapid development of aviation technology and the increasing complexity of combat missions. In conditions of geopolitical instability and the growth of various threats, an effective pilot training system is becoming essential to ensure a decent defense capability of the state.

Modern fighter jets require pilots not only to have a high level of technical training, but also skills in working with modern information technologies such as artificial intelligence and networking systems. At the same time, experts note that traditional methods often do not keep up with technological progress, which creates a gap between the capabilities of technology and the knowledge of pilots.

Also, the high cost of training military pilots makes it urgent to search for specialized training systems, including virtual reality simulators and Bid Data analysis to personalize training.

The study is significant from the point of view of psychophysiological stress: according to Aviation Space, and Environmental Medicine (2023), more than 30% of pilots face cognitive overstrain in complex missions, which requires improvement of not only technical, but also psychological training.

Thus, the study of modern methods of training military pilots is relevant not only for technological progress, but also to ensure the effectiveness, safety and economic justification of training.

The technical training of military pilots is the main element of their training, since modern aviation is equipped with a variety of control systems, electronics and communications. Modern fighters are equipped with multifunction displays, touch control systems and on-board computers. According to Defense News (2023), pilots spend about 40% of their training time mastering interfaces. To practice skills, we use partial task simulators for testing individual systems and full–scale simulators – exact replicas of cabins with a movable platform simulating overloads.

Virtual and augmented reality can reduce the cost of flight training. Research shows that using VR reduces the development time of new aircraft by 25%. AI algorithms analyze the actions of cadets and adjust the training program. Modern pilots must be able to withstand cyber attacks on on-board systems. Training programs on protecting communication channels from jamming and GPS jamming have been added to the training programs.

Despite the progress in training, the problems of the high cost of simulators, as well as the shortage of teachers with experience in the latest technology, remain relevant. The technical training of military pilots is evolving towards digitalization, but requires a balance with traditional methods.

According to the standards, fighter pilots must withstand loads up to +9G without loss of consciousness, hypoxic conditions (cabin depressurization at an altitude of 10+ km) and prolonged stay (up to 10 hours) in a confined space. Studies show that 20% of aviation incidents are related to the physical unpreparedness of pilots.

The main components of physical training are: resistance training to overloads using centrifuges to practice techniques and hydraulic loading suits that automatically control blood pressure, improving blood supply to the brain; cardiorespiratory endurance – hypoxic training (using pressure chambers and masks with reduced oxygen content) and interval training (running, swimming, exercise bikes with heart rate control; strength training both functional training – stabilization (balance exercises to counteract vibrations and turbulence) and explosive power (jumping, throwing for quick response in critical situations); psychophysiological stability – stress training (survival courses, including sleep restriction and extreme temperatures). The training uses innovative methods such as biometric monitoring, neurotraining and cyber games. Physical training is changing from basic standards to personalized programs.

Modern air operations place exceptional demands on the psyche of military pilots. According to various studies, a fifth-generation fighter pilot must process up to 200 elements of information per minute, make decisions in 0.3-0.5 seconds, and keep cool under severe overloads.

Let's consider the main components of training. Cognitive training includes the development of working memory, multitasking training and improvement of spatial thinking using VR simulators. Using breathing control techniques (4-7-8), biofeedback and extreme training, pilots are tested for stress resistance. The analysis of real combat scenarios, training in conditions of uncertainty and the development of situational awareness – all this shapes the tactical thinking of pilots. Innovative technologies are also used in such training. VR training reduces the number of errors by 40%, and neurotraining improves reaction speed by 25%. Such comprehensive training reduces the risk of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) by 35%. Psychological training of military pilots is no less important than physical training.

The training of military pilots is a complex system consisting of many components and requiring constant adaptation. The study showed that effective pilot training is impossible without an integrated approach combining technical, physical and psychological training. According to experts (MIT Aeronautics, 2024), the future of military pilot training lies at the intersection of technology and the human factor, where the main task remains to find the optimal balance between the technical capabilities of aircraft and the psychophysiological limitations of humans.

References:

1. RAND Corporation “Future of Air Warfare: Challenges and Opportunities”. 2023.
2. “Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine”. 2023.
3. Defense News “Next-Gen Cockpits: Training Challenges”. 2023.
4. MITRE Corporation “VR Impact on Skill Acquisition”. 2023.
5. RAND Corporation “Cybersecurity for Military Aviation”. 2024.
6. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine “G-LOC and Fatique in Combat Pilots”. 2023.
7. RAND Corporation “Obesity Trends in Military Pilots”. 2023.
8. RAND Corporation “Human Factors in Aviation Accidents”. 2024.
9. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement “Brain Training for Pilots”. 2023.