Air Force Detachment 24 wins prestigious award for using extended reality to train pilots with Virtual Mission Trainer, an experiential immersive training platform delivered by SAIC

Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) today announced that its U.S. Air Force customer received the inaugural International Data Corporation (IDC) 2021 Future of Digital Innovation Award in the government category.

The award recognizes Air Force Detachment 24, 19th Air Force, Air Education and Training Command for excellence with the Virtual Mission Trainer (VMT) project, a component of the service’s Pilot Training Next program delivered by SAIC. VMT, an extended-reality training platform, integrates the latest advancements in commercial gaming, software, analytics and training methodologies. During the COVID-19 pandemic when flight schools stopped in-person instruction, students using VMT have been able to complete 95% of required activities.

“We’re very honored to receive the IDC 2021 Future of Digital Innovation Award,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Riley, Detachment 24 commander. “There were many outstanding and innovative organizations in the running for this award, so we’re truly in great company. Innovation is what pushes the boundaries of what is possible. The combination of amazing civilian partners, forward-thinking Airmen, and some high-tech solutions made our goals reality. Although we’re happy with the steps we’ve taken towards modernizing Air Force pilot training, we must continue to build solutions that truly transform the way we teach across the Air Force and DOD.”

VMT enables the Air Force to overcome its challenge of rapidly training more pilots but without more planes, equipment, or instructors. In the first implementation of VMT in 2018, the program reduced training course duration from 12 to six months, and students were conducting solo flights about 40% sooner than traditional classes. VMT enables training at the point of need via accessible hardware – such as extended-reality headsets – and SAIC-developed software.

“When confronted with one of the most devastating global events in our lifetimes, the Air Force was able to innovate and continue its missions because of VMT,” said Robert Kleinhample, vice president of immersive technologies at SAIC. “Congratulations to them on this remarkable recognition from IDC. We look forward to our continued support of this illustrious program.”

The IDC Future of Digital Innovation Awards recognizes unique applications of digital innovation. Award winners will be recognized at IDC’s Future of Digital Innovation Excellence virtual event held September 15, 2021. To learn more about IDC Future of Digital Innovation Awards, please visit IDC’s website.

About SAIC

SAIC^® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation’s technology transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, digital, artificial intelligence, and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions.

We are more than 26,500 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is core to our values and important to attract and retain exceptional talent. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has pro forma annual revenues of approximately $7.1 billion.​​​​ For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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