Innovative Concepts in Army Pilot Training Using Virtual Reality (VR) Technologies

Abstract

In an era of rapid technological development, armed forces worldwide are incorporating innovations to enhance the training of army pilots, who face challenges related to safety, high costs, and training environments. Although flight simulators help reduce risks, they still have some drawbacks, such as high procurement and maintenance costs, the need for specific space, and a lack of flexibility. Virtual Reality (VR) technology, therefore, presents an attractive alternative as it reduces these limitations. VR helps train in a realistic virtual environment, reduces fuel and personnel support costs, and increases safety, especially when training for emergency scenarios that are risky in real-life training.

This study aims to 1) explore the trends and feasibility of using VR in army pilot training, and 2) propose innovations in this field by analyzing research data and case studies from abroad, while also assessing the context of the Thai Army, which still lacks the systematic integration of this technology. The findings indicate that VR has a high potential for army pilot training, particularly in terms of cost, which is 10-100 times lower than traditional flight simulators. Additionally, VR offers flexibility in repeating high-risk scenarios and real-time result tracking. However, there are still some limitations.

VR technology is an effective and cost-efficient training tool for army pilots, helping to reduce costs, enhance safety, and improve training capabilities. Although there are some technical limitations, the ongoing development of hardware (e.g., Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest) and software will address these weaknesses. For the Thai Army, integrating VR technology can significantly enhance training effectiveness.