EP 41 — Red 6’s Kevin Huyck on Overcoming Challenges in Military Pilot Production

In this episode of DIB Innovators, Dave speaks with Kevin Huyck, COO of Red 6, to discuss the transformative role of augmented reality in military training. Kevin shares insights on how AR technology enhances pilot training by integrating synthetic entities into live flight scenarios, providing a more realistic and immersive experience. 

He also addresses the challenges the military faces in pilot production and retention, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to optimize training efficiency. Tune in to learn how Red 6 is paving the way for the future of military aviation and improving readiness for warfighters. 

Topics discussed:

• The transformative impact of augmented reality on military training, enhancing realism and effectiveness for pilots preparing for combat scenarios. 
• The challenges faced by the military in pilot production and retention, including outdated training methods and limited resources affecting skill development.
• The importance of fostering partnerships with major defense contractors to enhance the adoption of innovative technologies in military training programs.
• The role of feedback from warfighters in refining augmented reality technology to better meet the needs of military operations.
• The potential for augmented reality to optimize training hours and reduce costs associated with fuel and aircraft wear during pilot training.
• The future of military aviation training and how emerging technologies can address long-standing issues in pilot readiness and operational effectiveness.
• The significance of creating a training paradigm that seamlessly blends live and synthetic training environments for comprehensive skill development.
• The necessity of taking calculated risks within the military to embrace new technologies that can significantly improve training outcomes and operational readiness. 

Guest Quote: 

“Red 6 was founded on a vision that we can take augmented reality and solve a lot of the challenges that every Air Force today is facing. They're facing a production problem, they're facing an absorption problem, which leads then to a retention problem. And your experience, your training, and your readiness can be right on the edge of the cliff to go into a steady decline. So what Red 6 brings is augmented reality to maximize the use of your airborne time and afford those direct sorties that you would use to either fly against, fly with, or be in the training airspace.” 

Get in touch with Kevin Huyck:  

LinkedIn 

Website 

Get in touch with your host, David Graff: 

LinkedIn 

Listen to more episodes: 

Apple 

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