Military Aviation Research Articles

Making Surgical Top Guns: Maximizing Time at the Controls by Integrating Military Aviation Techniques Into Surgical Instruction.

Making Surgical Top Guns: Maximizing Time at the Controls by Integrating Military Aviation Techniques Into Surgical Instruction.

Integrating Human Factors into Operational Safety in Latin American Military Aviation

Operational safety in military aviation is a complex interplay between technology, procedures, and human behavior. In Latin America, where geopolitical instability and resource constraints often challenge air force operations, understanding and integrating human factors into aviation safety frameworks is essential. Drawing on over 30 years of service in the Colombian Air Force and international defense cooperation, this article explores the role of human performance, decision-making, fatigue, training, and leadership in shaping safety outcomes. It proposes a model for embedding human factors into Latin American military aviation safety programs.

L-39 SKYFOX – Supportive Fighter-Training Multifunctional New Generation Aircraft

The author supports the idea that the Bulgarian Air Force should optimize the system of our military aviation by finding a strategic partner in the field of the 5th generation of aviation technology, through which they can prospectively replace the decommissioned old modifications of L-39ZA, Su-25 and partly MiG -29 with a new multifunctional fighter-training aviation platform. We must rely on traditions and explore European opportunities for industrial cooperation.

Research on evaluating crude oil sources to meet the quality of Jet A-1K fuel production for fighter aircraft

The article presents a study evaluating the current crude oil feedstock available at BSR for producing Jet A-1K fuel for fighter aircraft. Unlike Jet A-1 fuel, Jet A-1K is a specialized fuel produced according to stringent standards for quality, stability, and performance under the extreme conditions encountered by military aircraft. By comparing various crude oil feedstocks, the authors identified key factors that influence the quality of the final product and proposed optimal solutions for selecting the most suitable feedstock. The research findings not only contribute to improving the product quality but also support enhancing self-reliance in fuel production for Vietnam's military aviation sector.

Prediction of Hazardous Weather Phenomena Using Artificial Intelligence

The prediction of hazardous weather phenomena is a critical component in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air transport operations. This paper focuses on evaluating the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in forecasting fog—one of the most significant weather conditions affecting airport visibility. The methodological framework combines empirical methods (observation, measurement, experimentation) with theoretical approaches (analysis, synthesis, modeling). Emphasis is placed on the application of machine learning and deep learning techniques for processing meteorological data collected from Sliac military airport. The study compares conventional numerical weather prediction models (e.g., WRF) with AI-based approaches such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks, and ensemble models. Results indicate that AI models achieve higher accuracy in short-term fog prediction while reducing computational requirements. Experiments demonstrated success rates of up to 90% using ensemble techniques. The findings confirm that AI represents a promising tool for developing modern predictive meteorological systems in aviation. Challenges identified include limited data availability, the need for high-quality datasets, and the complexity of model interpretation. Future work should include expanding the data scope to multiple airports and incorporating satellite and radar data. The proposed approach offers a strong foundation for the advancement of intelligent, automated decision-support systems in both civil and military aviation meteorology.

A Confiabilidade em Sistemas Aeronáuticos e a Tomada de Decisão Baseada em Manutenção Preventiva: Uma Abordagem Estratégica para Redução de Riscos e CustosOperacionais

The reliability of aeronautical systems plays a fundamental role in flight safety and theoperational efficiency of both commercial and military aviation. This article examines howreliability modeling and the application of statistical techniques to preventive maintenancecontribute to more assertive decision-making, with a direct impact on cost reduction, failureprevention, and increased aircraft availability. Based on the works of authors such as Barbosa(2018), Cruz (2016), and Vilela (2010), the study discusses the main mathematical functionsand statistical distributions used in failure prediction and their effects on the life cycle ofaeronautical components. International studies are also considered, including Payne’s (2006)research on memory reliability in maintenance tasks. The data indicate that the intelligent useof reliability models enables the alignment of economic efficiency and technical safety, thusstrengthening a proactive safety culture in aviation.

The Impact of Yoga Practice on Health, Strength, and Respiratory Capacity in Portuguese Airforce Pilots: an Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Approach.

Top performance in military aviation relies on strong health. Handgrip strength is key, showing overall strength and work capacity. Since rarefied air affects focus and mission success, respiratory training is essential. The impact of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga on Portuguese Air Force Academy pilots from the 2021 and 2022 classes was assessed, aiming to enhance health, lung capacity, and strength. A randomized controlled trial involved 18 individuals from the "Masters in Military Aeronautics: aviator pilot specialist". Participants were randomly assigned to yoga classes (intervention n=10) or a waiting list (control n=8). General health, strength, and respiratory capacity were measured using SF-36 questionnaire, a hand-grip dynamometer, and a spirometer, respectively, before and after a 12-week yoga program. Parametric and non-parametric tests were conducted using Jamovi (version 2.3.26). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05821270, registered on April 19, 2023.Revealed significant within-group differences pre- vs post-intervention for general health, handgrip strength, and FEV1%. There was a significant difference between groups for lung capacity.Yoga participants showcased superior results versus controls, suggesting yoga's positive impact. The yoga protocol, in conjunction with military training, positively affected health, strength, and lung performance, highlighting its operational benefits even in highly trained individuals.

Asthma in Military Pilots.

Asthma is a common diagnosis in the general population and, among military aviators, has the potential for significant aeromedical complications. The objectives of this study, undertaken by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Aviation Pulmonology Working Group (RTG299), were to determine: 1) the prevalence of asthma among trained NATO pilots; 2) agency screening procedures and policies for candidates with a history of asthma; and 3) aeromedical disposition of trained pilots diagnosed with asthma, including allowable medications. A questionnaire was distributed to each participating NATO agency to retrieve information related to each of the above questions. Data were received from 7 agencies spanning over half a million pilot years (520,369). The prevalence of asthma among serving NATO pilots was surprisingly low at 0.04%, an order of magnitude lower than the general U.S. military (1-2%) and U.S. population in general (approx. 8%). The reported prevalence in U.S. Air Force pilots was inexplicably low at 0.007%. All agencies, apart from the U.S. Air Force, include pulmonary function screening for pilot candidates. Most agencies accept candidates with a history of childhood asthma if full and sustained remission is confirmed with enhanced screening. In trained pilots, most agencies permit the use of medications to control asthma, including inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists. The incidence of asthma in NATO pilots was very low. Most NATO pilots diagnosed with asthma were retained on flying status, with some agencies imposing restrictions (generally from high-performance aircraft). Gray G, Bushby A, Frijters E, Guettler N, Lindgaard K, Naylor J, Regn D. Asthma in military pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(6):520-524.

Hybrid Electric Propulsion System Digital Twin for Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming a major part of the civil and military aviation industries. They meet user needs for effective supply transportation and the real-time acquisition of accurate information during air operations. Recently, concerns about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have increased due to the use and depletion of fossil fuels, shifting attention toward the broader use of electric propulsion as a green technology in different sectors, including transportation. The long-term objective of this work is to build a prototype of a hybrid electric propulsion system (HEPS) dedicated to a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle with a MTOW of 25 kg and an onboard electric voltage of 44.4 V. The main components and operating principles of the HEPS were defined. The main HEPS digital twin block modules and their operations were described. Using the developed digital twin structure and operational model, simulations were carried out. Based on the results, it can be demonstrated that the use of hybrid electric propulsion allows for a significant increase in the flight time of a multi-rotor UAV. The developed DT can be used as a tool for optimizing the operation of the HEPS prototype and for redefining mathematical models of individual components.

FLIGHT PERFORMANCE FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF AN ANTI-FATIGUE STIMULANT DURING 27 HOURS OF CONTINUOUS WAKEFULNESS

Introduction: In the context of military aviation, aircrew members are required to perform a range of complex and cognitively demanding tasks under a variety of conditions, including irregular work schedules, insufficient rest periods, and disrupted circadian rhythms. This study investigates the impact of sleep deprivation on flight performance in a controlled simulator environment and examines whether the pharmacological agents modafinil and galantamine can restore flight performance to baseline levels following 27 hours of wakefulness. Methods: A group of 12 male volunteers, with a mean age of 24 ± 2.5 years, was tested in three separate sessions during which the participants were randomly assigned to receive either 100 mg of modafinil, 10 mg of galantamine, or a placebo. During the continuous wakefulness period, the participants completed three tests in a flight simulator involving a simple flight control task performed under varied conditions (flight over land and sea). Results: Galantamine showed significant differences across flight conditions, with improved performance in maintaining altitude under the land and sea conditions (p<0.001). Under the same flight conditions, galantamine had a significant effect on speed, resulting in slower speeds compared to placebo. Additionally, it demonstrated a significant improvement in maintaining a stable heading under sea conditions. Across all parameters, the stimulants did not restore flight accuracy to baseline levels under control conditions. Conclusions: The effects of both modafinil and galantamine on sleep deprivation-induced fatigue and flight performance were minimal, with results comparable to those of the placebo in most scenarios. Neither agent was able to restore baseline performance after a single dose administered following 27 hours of wakefulness. However, due to several limitations of the study, further research is warranted, with a focus on physiological assessments to strengthen the evidence base for anti-fatigue guidelines.

Pilot study on virtual assistant design for new generation aircraft cockpit

ABSTRACT In fields like military aviation, virtual assistance is crucial to manage the overwhelming amount of information pilots deal with, reducing their workload. This study seeks to determine the key factors for effective collaboration between pilots and assistants, focusing on embodiment and communication style, which may vary based on the situation criticality. A pilot evaluation show that both embodiment and communication style should be adapted to operational context, especially critical ones (i.e. presence of VA after a loss of consciousness and task oriented communication style during combat phases).

Effect of Pilot Expertise on Visual Scanning and Precision of Flight Maneuvers in Military Aviation

Abstract: This study explored how expertise affects visual scanning strategies and the precision of flight maneuvers in military aviation. A total of 38 French Air Force pilots of three different expertise levels performed horizontal and vertical maneuvers in a flight simulator. Flight performance analysis showed that novices had larger deviations in roll, heading, and speed compared to cadets and experts, underlining the role of expertise on the precision of flight maneuvers. Eye-tracking analysis revealed that expert pilots used more efficient gaze strategies, focusing on key parameters such as pitch and power. Our results suggest that eye-tracking could significantly enhance pilot training by providing insights into expertise-specific visual behaviors. Future work will explore the use of real-time eye-tracking data to deliver immediate feedback, guiding pilots’ visual focus during training.

Anchoring as a Mechanism for Modifying Risk-Taking Behavior in Military Aviation

Abstract: This study explores the possibility of using anchoring biases to change the risk-taking behavior assessed by the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). The study involved 90 military aviators who participated in a United Nations-led peacekeeping mission. We used an experimental design in which participants performed BART tasks distributed differently in the experimental groups to change the risk-taking behavior. After three stages, our results showed that the values of the indicator measuring risk-taking behavior were reduced in the low-anchor experimental group when operating in conditions of uncertainty. This indicator is influenced, in risk conditions, by both motor impulsivity and anchoring bias. Impulsivity is moderately associated with risk-taking behavior. The results also show that Big Five personality factors are not significantly associated with risk-taking behavior. In conclusion, these results confirm the role of the anchoring mechanism in changing risk-taking behavior and verify the strong relationship between impulsivity and risk behavior when individuals act in risky conditions.

Biometric-Driven Adaptation in Healthcare Simulation

Extended Reality (XR) encompasses Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), blending the physical and digital worlds to create immersive experiences. Healthcare simulation has evolved significantly with XR technologies, yet a critical gap exists between technical skill development and emotional resilience training. This overview of literature synthesizes current implementation on biometric-driven adaptation in healthcare simulation, highlighting opportunities for innovation through the integration of physiological monitoring with adaptive learning environments. The healthcare simulation field overlooks key clinical competencies, with emotional resilience explaining more than 40% of clinical performance and around 30% of patient outcomes (Hamstra et al., 2014), yet training remains focused on technical skills. XR tools emphasize anatomical realism over emotional regulation (Li, 2024), reinforcing the "fidelity fallacy", the false belief that visual realism ensures clinical authenticity (Carey & Rossler, 2023). Fixed XR scenarios fail to reflect real-world complexity, where clinicians face significant unexpected variations per event (Armstrong et al., 2024), and cannot adapt to users’ emotional states, widening the authenticity gap (Birt et al., 2024). Physiological monitoring enables adaptive learning, with strong links between biometrics and emotion: heart rate variability reflects cognitive load, pupillary response signals stress, and vocal cues reveal anxiety (LeBlanc et al., 2024). Yet, integration is limited to three fourth of simulation centers collect data, but only less than 5% use it in real time (Lam et al., 2021). This gap persists despite simulations with biofeedback improving stress management, decision accuracy, and learning transfer over standard methods (Farsi et al., 2021). Review was conducted on literatures covering only the implementation of biometric-driven simulation in various domains. Biometric-driven adaptation has proven feasible in adjacent fields like military training (Yockey, 2023), aviation (Bernabei & Costantino, 2024), and competitive sports (Gorski et al., 2021), which have successfully integrated physiological monitoring with environmental adaptation. However, healthcare education adoption faces barriers including equipment costs, technical integration challenges, standardization issues, and privacy concerns (Li et al., 2023). Biometric-driven adaptation in healthcare setting is limited. This gap is particularly consequential in Australasian healthcare contexts, where cultural variation introduces complexity. Research identifies significant cultural differences in stress manifestation and decision-making patterns among healthcare students from diverse backgrounds (Kelly et al., 2018), yet these dimensions remain unaddressed despite increasingly multicultural workforces and patients. Multi-modal XR technologies offer promising opportunities for comprehensive simulation environments. Combined approaches utilizing projection environments, augmented reality, and haptic feedback achieve greater psychological fidelity than single-modality implementations (Cochrane et al., 2020; Akhtar et al., 2024a; Akhtar et al., 2024b). The MESH360 framework provides a foundation for integrated approaches but lacks biometric adaptation. Emerging research on personalized cognitive load management shows dynamic adjustment of scenario complexity based on real-time indicators improves learning outcomes by 23% compared to standardized approaches (Pears et al., 2024), allowing learners to progress at optimal challenge levels without triggering performance-impairing stress (Couarraze et al., 2023). The literature reveals a significant opportunity for innovation through integrating biometric monitoring with adaptive XR environments. We hope to address the documented gaps by creating a bidirectional relationship between learner and environment, establishing a continuous feedback loop that better prepares healthcare professionals for the complex interplay of technical and emotional challenges in clinical settings. The presentation will provide an overview of the approach and how it might be implemented.

Evaluation of selected elements of fitness and physiological diagnostics of military pilots as a factor in flights safety.

The author of the publication drew attention to factors that threaten the safe performance of a military aviation mission. The aim of the article is to present an effective method for diagnosing psychomotor skills, monitoring physical fitness and selecting pilots of highly maneuverable aircraft, as well as selected exercise markers of high diagnostic value for assessing the adaptation (efficiency) of the pilots' body. First, the focus was on the practical direction of preventing aviation accidents. Based on many years of research on cadet pilots, the author developed the Aviation-Synthetic Efficiency Test (ASET), which aims to select candidates for aviation and assess the performance of an anti-overload maneuver involving appropriate skeletal muscles. The test was used to monitor the training process in order to obtain an optimized physical load on the body. The factor strengthening the implementation of an effective pilot training process was the assessment of the behavior of the WS lipid index as confirmation of the training effects in the G-strain centrifuge test. The author attributes special diagnostic value to lipid indices for pilots of highly maneuverable aircraft. A diagnostic and training device was developed and used to monitor the special training process in terms of assessing the psychomotor level of pilots in extreme conditions of the pilot's work environment. Studies were also conducted in the special training process on special aviation gymnastics devices (SAGI). Physiological and biochemical indicators were used in these studies, emphasizing the high diagnostic value in relation to the physical fitness and health of pilots. The aspects of the research presented in this article contribute to the pilots' compliance with the balance between the performance of tasks and their physical capabilities, which undoubtedly increases flight safety.

Optimizing Cardiovascular Screening in Polish Air Force Pilots with Coronary Artery Calcium Score.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major health concern in military aviation, representing one of the leading causes of flight disqualification. Traditional screening methods for CAD in military pilots include resting electrocardiograms and exercise stress tests, but these methods have limited sensitivity and specificity. This has prompted the search for more effective tools to assess cardiovascular risk and identify pilots at risk for CAD. One of the most promising tools in this regard is the Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CACS). A comprehensive literature review was conducted using electronic databases, such as PubMed® and Google Scholar, focusing on the use of CACS in cardiovascular risk assessment, particularly in military populations. Relevant studies discussing the application of CACS in pilot screening protocols and clinical recommendations from aerospace medical regulatory bodies were included. The review highlights the advantages of using CACS over traditional screening tools, including its higher precision in evaluating cardiovascular risk and its ability to detect atherosclerotic lesions at an earlier stage. The findings also explore the potential of CACS to reduce the incidence of CAD-related flight disqualifications by improving early detection of disease among pilots. We discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the use of CACS in cardiovascular screening of military pilots and its potential to complement existing screening protocols. Finally, a diagnostic algorithm for incorporating CACS into the routine assessment of Polish Air Force pilots will be included, which may enhance the early detection of cardiac pathologies and improve flight safety. Kurek MA, Salacinska D, Rola M, Antoniak R. Optimizing cardiovascular screening in Polish Air Force pilots with coronary artery calcium score. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(5):407-413.

Pediatric Health Risks Among Children of Female Military Aviation Officers.

Female aviators and aircrew face unique occupational exposures, including noise, whole-body vibrations, toxic chemicals, intermittent hypoxia, and high gravitational forces. We evaluated associations between maternal occupations as aviators and aircrew during pregnancy and adverse pediatric health outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children born to female U.S. military officers from October 2002 to December 2019. Exposure was defined as the mother serving in an aviation or aircrew occupation at time of birth. Adverse health outcomes were identified by International Classification of Diseases codes. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed, adjusting for maternal age at delivery, maternal race and ethnicity, and marital status. A post hoc power analysis was performed. The study included 18,637 female officers. There were 1144 children of fixed-wing aviation officers and 25,889 children of non-aviation officers. There was decreased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes [hazard ratio (HR), 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.68-0.95], speech delay (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59-0.89), and other and unspecified congenital anomalies (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60-0.90) for children of aviators. There was no increased risk for any of the adverse pediatric outcomes. Five outcomes had sufficient sample size to detect significance. Although this study suggests that children of military officers in aviation careers do not have an increased risk for adverse pediatric outcomes, it was underpowered and cannot conclusively imply safety of maternal aviation occupational exposures during pregnancy. Further research must evaluate how prenatal exposure to flight affects subsequent pediatric health outcomes. Royall M, Sorensen IS, Stark CM, Dorr M, Salzman S, Hisle-Gorman E, Dobson N, Brown J, Susi A, Huggins BH, Nylund CM. Pediatric health risks among children of female military aviation officers. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(5):386-391.

Abnormal Audiogram Risk Factors in Military Aircrew and Ground-Based Aviation Personnel.

The military aviation environment is inherently noisy, with occupational noise hazards from a variety of sources. At the same time, it demands good binaural auditory acuity and speech discrimination abilities for the safe and effective performance of flight duties. This study aimed to 1) examine the burden, characteristics, and severity of abnormal audiograms among military aircrew and ground-based aviation personnel in the Republic of Singapore Air Force; and 2) elicit the risk factors associated with abnormal audiograms. In this cross-sectional study, anonymized data (sociodemographic information, pure tone audiometry thresholds, anthropometric and physiological measurements, and biochemical investigations) were extracted from all consecutive unique annual certification examinations performed between January 1 and December 31, 2022. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify statistically significant risk factors associated with abnormal audiograms. Of the 1817 audiograms, 83 (4.6%) were abnormal based on the modified World Health Organization criteria. Abnormal audiograms featured an early bilateral high-frequency hearing loss pattern characteristic of noise-induced effects. The multivariable model retained only age and four vocations [i.e., Communication Equipment Specialist, Air Force Engineer (Flight Engineer), Air Warfare Officer (Air Battle Manager), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Pilot] as significant risk factors. Neither aircraft platforms nor specific engine types were associated with higher odds of developing abnormal audiograms. This study suggests that the modified World Health Organization criteria are useful in identifying at-risk subgroups within the military aircrew population and could be considered for use as a more sensitive screening threshold for early noise-induced hearing loss. Seah BZQ, Ng WT, Gan WH, Low JW, See B. Abnormal audiogram risk factors in military aircrew and ground-based aviation personnel. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(5):378-385.

Aviation noise – modelling basics

A sustainable approach to aircraft noise requires not only design changes to engines and aircraft, but also improved methods for modelling noise and its propagation through the air. The article continues the authors' holistic view of the problem of aircraft noise, also taking into account data from military aviation. First, the social and health problem of aircraft noise is recalled. Then the theoretical basis in acoustics and modern aviation noise modelling tools are presented, as well as selected research projects carried out in Sweden to assist in the reduction of aircraft noise. In the results of the study, an addendum to the mathematical description of airborne noise propagation and examples are presented. In conclusion, the authors' insights from their research are indicated.

Development of a GIS-based Bird Map Application for the Royal Thai Air Force’s Aviation Safety Management

This study aimed to assess bird strike risk and develop a GIS-based bird map application to enhance aviation safety for the Royal Thai Air Force. Five risk factors, including bird size, weight, density, activity range, and flight altitude were collected and analyzed using the data from the Royal Thai Air Force Software Center as well as the 6th Wing squadrons. Severity level and probability of occurrence were calculated and used to design a bird strike risk assessment application. The developed application allows users such as pilots and air operators to assess bird strike risk and display real-time maps and images of bird coordinates. This tool can increase safety and reduce bird strike accidents, serving both military and civilian aviation needs.