Indian Air Force gets virtual reality-based system on refuelling

The IAF in collaboration with the Chitkara University, near Chandigarh, has developed an advanced virtual reality (VR) system to train newly inducted Agniveers on the process of refuelling aircraft.

The VR-based system allows trainees to don a head-mounted device and experience a realistic virtual environment featuring aircraft and its sub-systems. It eliminates the need for physical aircraft, enabling trainees to practice the complex process. The system provides training in a compressed timeframe, which is advantageous as the initial term of Agniveers is just four years, thereby reducing the overall time utilised for training.

The first such system has been developed for training aircrew to refuel helicopters. It can also be modified to impart training on other aircraft in the IAF’s inventory.

“Aircraft refuelling is a complex activity that includes movement and parking vehicles in an aircraft’s vicinity, operating pumping equipment, blending anti-freeze additives, ensuring proper earthing and filling the correct volume of fuel. There are several technical, environmental and safety factors involved.” Dr PK Khosla, a former DRDO-TBRL scientist and now Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university, who, along with Dr Amanpreet Kaur, headed the project team said. It took about six months for the team to complete the project. “The system has been handed over to the IAF,” added Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor.

The development process involved close collaboration with defence experts to map the intricate details of helicopter refuelling operations. Every component, from fuel couplings to control panels, was meticulously modelled in 3D.