Army pilots are trying virtual reality to stay more alert in flight

The U.S. Army's 101st Combat Aviation Brigade is running a 32-week test of the Oculus-based NeuroTrainer virtual-reality system with helicopter aviators at Fort Campbell. The unit will incorporate the headset into its training regimen and measure whether the exercises improve reaction time and alertness, particularly under demands relevant to flight operations. The activity is an assessment of a human-performance tool, not an approved cockpit installation or evidence that the method has already reduced accidents. Results and any wider Army adoption will depend on the data collected during the trial.