Part 2: Upending the Defense Training Enterprise’s Data Sector – Industry Insights

Part 1 of this author’s update on the military training enterprise’s fast-paced and evolving use of data provided insights on the subject from the vantage point of one defense organization, NAWCTSD. This follow-on piece contains valuable viewpoints on the topic from two major S&T industry companies.

Increased Fidelity and Rigor of Data

Let’s first look at the major changes occurring in the use cases and quality of data being supplied to defense training organizations in the ground domain.

Martyn Armstrong, VP, Global Ground Training at Cubic Defense, initially offered that his company’s ground force customers leverage the data Cubic provides for a range of purposes, including real-time, on-the-spot After-Action Reviews and more comprehensive, deliberate Training Reflection Activities – approaching the entire cycle of a training event. “In both scenarios, Cubic delivers a diverse mix of data to maximize training and instructional value for coaches and trainer,” he added.

That rich blend of content the executive referred to is being derived from instrumentation data—such as GPS, engagement, repair and medical treatment data—alongside feeds from field and personal cameras, space-based capabilities, observational data, electronic emissions detection and more significantly, autonomous vehicles. The executive emphasized these datasets support a broad spectrum of reflection activities, from individual debriefings to brigade-or division-level analyses – clearly spanning different echelon levels.

Armstrong also provided elucidation on yet another underpinning for this part of his portfolio – how a mix of technologies are brought to bear to allow data bytes to traverse training and operational environments. To achieve this outcome, Cubic harnesses data from operational, simulation, instrumentation, commercial and open data streams. “Our approach is underpinned by a hybrid communications architecture and adherence to open standards, enabling seamless integration, connectivity and backhauling of all data types,” he further explained and noted the methodology is exemplified in the Global Combat Training Centers (CTCs) supported by Cubic. “These centers utilize a versatile mix of technologies, such as wide and narrow-band instrumentation data, private LTE networks, space-based communications, open data frameworks and third-party networks. By combining these elements, Cubic delivers robust, flexible and comprehensive data solutions that empower advanced military training and operational readiness.”

Supporting the Aviation Training Community

Elsewhere, Leonardo Helicopter Division in America focuses on using data to increase the training readiness of military pilots and maintenance technicians.

D'Angelo Maurizio, VP, Customer Supp & Services & Training, Leonardo Helicopters Division in America, initially noted innovative training and simulation and operational support programs stand at the forefront of revolutionizing how the industry and customer will prepare personnel, optimize operations, and enhance safety. Once properly engineered, such solutions would provide immersive learning experiences and realistic simulations that will facilitate skill development and operational readiness. The executive emphasized, “data and receiving data are key. By obtaining the data from our customers, Leonardo can use it to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of all its training and support services, including military training.”

LHD also shed light on its rapidly evolving efforts to obtain and use quality data.

In one case, the executive called attention to Leonardo Helicopters’ activities to develop an algorithm for real-time flight data analysis to facilitate the instructor's activity and increase the instructor's concordance to promote an objective evaluation procedure.

“The scope of the Data-Driven Training (DDT) is to acquire the flight data directly from the full flight simulator and to analyze the data to produce a reporting page based on objective flight parameters directly into the instructor's app, with a score proposed directly by the algorithm. The DDT approach starts from competencies based on KSA (Knowledge, Skills, Attitude), and it applies to type-rated pilots as a training solution to meet recurrent phase or advanced training other than checking.”

training devices, creating a realistic scenario that teach maintenance crews how to respond to various faults in a quick and efficient manner.”

A third distinct Leonardo Helicopters effort that brings to bear digital transformation across its fleet is the AI-based “Leonardo Helicopters Digital Service Tower,” one located in Italy, and the other in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The platforms permit the company to collect, review and use data for multiple purposes.

Maurizio further explained this advanced digital platform is designed to enhance the support and maintenance services for Leonardo's helicopter fleet. It leverages digital technologies to improve customer service efficiency, quality, and speed, providing real-time data and insights to operators and maintenance personnel. The executive added, “The Digital Service Tower integrates various tools and services to ensure that Leonardo Helicopters’ clients receive optimal support throughout the lifecycle of their aircraft. Offering streamlined access to essential tools and information improves operational efficiency, reduces downtime, and enhances the overall customer experience. This platform represents a significant advancement in digital transformation for Leonardo Helicopters, making it a valuable asset for military and commercial clients alike.”

With this Digital Service Tower, Leonardo Helicopters support and training should provide global operators, but specifically training fleets, with a number of capabilities, including training and knowledge sharing

Further Advancing the Data Sector

Buckle up! Cubic Defense and Leonardo Helicopters are representative of companies that envision even more innovation and change in the data sector.

Armstrong noted Cubic consistently strives to provide its customers with cutting-edge technologies and capabilities, leveraging both public advancements and proprietary developments to enhance military training. To point, he added, “Among the most transformative trends are artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and high-speed computational devices, all of which have significantly elevated Cubic’s ability to deliver actionable insights and flexible solutions.”

These and other technology pursuits are allowing Cubic’s foundational architecture to provide a number of ROIs for the defense customer including unparalleled scalability and flexibility without upper limits on the number of participants. The executive continued, “Similarly, Cubic has been deeply engaged in the AI space for some time, culminating in innovative solutions like the ‘shoot-back’ system recently delivered to a customer in the Asia Pacific region,” and concluded “AI and cloud computing have further enhanced Cubic’s ability to collect, aggregate, and store data while maintaining the highest levels of security and flexibility. These advancements enable real-time data processing, improved situational awareness and smarter training systems tailored to meet the evolving demands of modern military operations.”

For its part Leonardo Helicopters is also continually monitoring the rapid advancements in AI, virtual reality, augmented reality, and data analytics that would allow in the near future to create immersive and highly realistic training environments capable of simulating real-world scenarios with unprecedented fidelity, responding to the challenges of the digital age.

Maurizio concluded, “These data-centric approaches allow for continuous improvement of training processes, ensuring that both pilots and technicians are well-prepared for the challenges of real-world missions.”

Following Data’s Evolution

Data remains a key foundation to enhance training and safety in high-risk training communities. The pace of this strategy will quicken as program leaders in those organizations embrace more AI, XR and other adjacent technologies to improve the quantity, quality and utility of data for diverse training audiences. Halldale’s three editorial departments will continue to follow and comment on activities in this sector.