Desktop virtual reality in the RAF

The Command Scientific Support Branch (CSSB) is a of mixture psychologists and scientists whose role is to give scientific advice to the Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel, training and logistics units. The main emphasis of the work is that of providing cost effective solutions to training and logistic problems. The author discusses a project which investigated the subject of virtual reality (VR) and its potential for use in the RAF. VR was considered by the branch to be an area of interest which showed promise as a new training medium, with its ability to provide a unique, experiential-learning environment (Helsel, 1992). The RAF has sponsored several desktop VR projects in CSSB and is also investigating its use in navigation training within its Training Development Support Unit (TDSU). CSSB has produced two training programs which are being used in RAF training programs: fire prevention training; and aircraft maintenance