AFWERX Challenge: Accelerating Pilots to Combat-Ready Aviators

We need your innovative solutions! The Combat Air Forces (CAF) are seeking a state-of-the-art training strategy to accelerate the training of a pilot to a combat ready aviator. The United States Air Force's (USAF) modern-day pilot training program is experiencing a widening gap between the capabilities of its primary training aircraft and that of the advanced fighter aircraft its pilots currently operate. Our goal is to improve the overall effectiveness of training programs across the Air Force to focus on developing quality pilots and combat aviators quicker. We are seeking solutions that can further leverage existing and new data to enhance the feedback loop, modernize learning tools to provide a better learning experience and facilitate the ease of collaboration and communication amongst the training and development communities. In partnership with Air Combat Command (ACC) and Global Strike Command (AFGSC), AFWERX challenges you to submit your product, service, or idea to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our combat pilot training. Whether you have a comprehensive solution or components of one, we welcome you to our AFWERX Challenge crowdsourcing process - an open call for innovative solutions. What's in it for you? In relation to this specific challenge here are some reasons to participate: Opportunity to receive funding for rapid prototyping and prospective further development of your solution within USAF Potential long term contract or agreement and continuing business partnerships with USAF and other government agencies If selected, you may receive official recognition for you and your company through publication on internal and external USAF communication channels Opportunity to collaborate and work with industry and the government to positive impact the warfighter and U.S. strategic advantage Potential invitation to attend the Challenge Showcase to network with peers, USAF or other Department of Defense (DoD) customers, and investors Ability for you to scale throughout the government and DoD Who are we looking for with this challenge? We are looking for individuals, companies, teams, academics, investors and government entities from the U.S. and Allied countries who develop or have expertise in the following focus areas of this challenge: Key focus areas include: Collaborative, easy-to-access platform across the Air Force for pilot training and development content, delivery, community and communication Leveraging existing and new data for content development and to prove the efficacy of the training and development at the individual level Leveraging modern tools and technologies to provide a better learning experience, for example, simulations, AR/VR, biometrics,simulated flight contraols and blended learning personalizations You could have: A proof of concept, or A component, or A complete solution Challenge submissions do not require a complete solution; however, if your solution represents a component of a complete solution, working with partners or teams to develop an entire solution to submit for this challenge is highly encouraged. What are the solution types we're seeking? These solution types are designed to give you an example of the types of things we are looking for, but this is not an exhaustive list. Collaborative, easy-to-access platform Improve cross-collaboration, communication, cooperation and sharing of information Knowledge Management and Data Repository Scalable, shared platform across USAF Ease of use to maximize adoption Ability to deliver content via a Learning Management System (LMS) Ability to leverage existing and new data Capture and assess objective and subjective performance data Perform analysis at the individual level to create learning paths to improve success and the speed of training Leverage data to refine the overall training system effectiveness Big data analysis for timely use of data Quality metrics Data tagging collected data Leverage data for machine-learning algorithms, or other analytical tools Data science Large management system to store, share and organize data Use of biometrics during training to identify opportunities for performance improvement Develop novel ways to collect data from currently untapped sources to provide feedback to assess the effectiveness of training quickly Modern tools and technologies Mixed reality solutions Device agnostic debrief solutions Realistic simulations Personalized learning Blended learning E-learning platforms and resources Extensions to commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) flight simulation engines to easily create custom scenarios Technologies to significantly reduce the reproduction cost of simulated flight controls (joysticks, yokes, throttles, collectives or rudder pedals) Universal tools, standards and technologies applicable across USAF and can benefit all communities and programs What benefits could your solution offer USAF[GJSSMUAAS1] [HAMGUAAA2] ? Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of combat ready aviators: Faster training of combat aviators Cost efficiencies in training combat aviators Leverage existing data to improve the training program continuously Pilots will be more engaged and better trained Instructors will have additional learning options for pilots Create a more effective and military-ready USAF for the good of our national security: Increase the mission readiness of USAF Increase the pipeline of mission-ready pilots Pilots will be better trained for missions Retention of pilots will build greater bench strength among the training and development community Aircraft will be available for combat missions rather than being tied up in training Improve communication and collaboration across the Air Force for pilot training programs: Free sharing of ideas Transparent and timely communication Ability to benchmark successful programs and apply the learnings Leverage higher volume of improved data