Pilot Physical Monitoring During Bamboo Eagle 24-3: Enhancing Human Performance in Extended Missions

F-15EX/E aircrews were actively involved in a comprehensive physiological testing program designed to evaluate their performance during extended missions. The tests aimed to collect detailed data on how prolonged sorties impact various physiological and cognitive factors.

The latest iteration of Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3 marked a significant step in understanding the effects of extended air mission on aircrew performance.

The 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron and the Air Force Research Laboratory ‘s 711th Human Performance Wing conducted a series of tests involving the exposure of the aircrews to extended missions.

Bamboo Eagle 24-3 offered researchers nearly two continuous days of human performance data, collected from four separate sorties. This comprehensive testing is crucial in refining procedures for managing long-duration operations, a challenge that the modern Air Force is increasingly facing. As aircrews endure longer and more complex missions, understanding the physiological and cognitive toll of such operations becomes essential to ensure the safety, effectiveness and readiness of personnel.

Innovative Use of Inflight Physiologic Systems

During these tests, researchers measured various physiological metrics such as glucose levels, sleep recovery, cortisol levels, cognitive reaction times, and hydration. These factors provide insight into how aircrews’ bodies and minds respond to the stressors of extended missions. Continuous data collection helps researchers evaluate the energy expenditure, recovery, and mental sharpness required for optimal performance during prolonged operations.

A standout feature of the testing program was the use of Inflight Physiologic Systems. These advanced systems were integrated into the aircrews’ helmets and provided real-time physiological data during flights.

Chris Dooley, the 711 HPW core research area lead, highlighted the significance of this unique approach:

“Our data collection plan is extremely unique because it gathers real-time data on multiple physiologic and cognitive processes directly from pilots during flight. This data will help us address two key questions: the impact of long-duration sorties on aircrew and what recovery is needed before they are fit for another flight.”

Real-time data collection opens new avenues for research, enabling immediate adjustments to flight protocols and recovery plans, thus ensuring that aircrews maintain peak performance levels even during long missions. This direct monitoring system is a major step forward in operational safety and efficiency.

FOCUS Mission Readiness App: Real-Time Fatigue Management

Bamboo Eagle 24-3 also marked the first in-flight testing of the FOCUS Mission readiness app, a mobile fatigue risk management tool developed by AFRL’s (Air Force Research Laboratory) Human Effectiveness Directorate. The app provides real-time, individualized assessments of fatigue, leveraging data on sleep and behavioral patterns to predict fatigue levels. In addition, it offers personalized recommendations to help warfighters mitigate fatigue and optimize their performance during missions.

The FOCUS app represents a significant advancement in fatigue management by offering pilots insights into their current fatigue levels and suggesting appropriate countermeasures. Whether through modifications to sleep schedules, adjustments to diet, or strategies to manage stress, the app provides real-time solutions to keep pilots alert and mission-ready. This fatigue management tool plays a vital role in ensuring that pilots maintain cognitive sharpness, minimizing the risks of fatigue-induced errors during critical operations.

Maj. David Partin, 85th TES F-15 Division Chief, underscored the importance of data collection:

“This testing provides quantifiable data to show how our bodies are reacting to certain inputs, whether that’s stress, dehydration, or eating different types of foods. That data informs the need for the education, training, and preparation necessary before flight.”

Another critical component of the testing involved the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), which provides real-time fatigue assessments. PVT measures reaction times, allowing aircrews to gauge their alertness levels.

By identifying cognitive slowdowns or delayed reaction times, the PVT helps crews understand their current mental state and take necessary precautions to maintain peak performance throughout the flight.

G-Forces and Cognitive Strain: Understanding Pilot Performance During High-G Maneuvers

Similar tests, even if conducted during relatively short-duration missions, have previously been carried out by the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). These earlier tests were focused on monitoring pilot performance during high-G loading maneuvers, particularly during missions that involve Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) and Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) operations.

High-G maneuvers place extreme physical stress on pilots, requiring quick decision-making, precise control, and immense physical endurance. The G-forces experienced during these maneuvers can cause G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC), impair cognitive functions, and induce physical fatigue. Monitoring pilots during these operations is crucial for understanding how their bodies and minds respond to high levels of stress in such dynamic and demanding environments.

Refining Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) and Future Plans

This comprehensive testing is helping to refine tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for managing long-duration missions. By gaining insights into how prolonged flights impact energy levels, cognitive functions, and overall physical stress, the program helps to assess the risks and improve preparation and recover for extended air operations.

Moving forward, the Air Force plans to continue this kind of testing in future iterations of Exercise Bamboo Eagle. As more human performance data is collected, it will further enhance the ability to optimize long-duration operations. By understanding how the body and mind react to the stresses of extended sorties, researchers can develop even more refined procedures, enhancing mission safety, effectiveness, and crew well-being.

The Air Force’s commitment to leveraging advanced physiological monitoring and fatigue management tools, combined with real-time data collection, represents a significant step toward ensuring that aircrews are fully prepared for the demands of tomorrow’s operational environment.