King Crow Studios delivers new training defense tech for Striker Airmen

King Crow Studios demonstrates a new mixed reality trainer for Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications Airmen June 9 at STRIKEWERX in Bossier City, Louisiana. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo by Sean Green, STRIKEWERX)

By Sean Green | Facilitation and Outreach Manager

BOSSIER CITY, La. — Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) has received a new extended reality (XR) trainer to help bolster nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3).

King Crow Studios, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, delivered an updated version of interactive software for training command post and communication squadron personnel.

Training for this has historically been difficult due to weather complications, mission requirements, and communication specialists’ availability. This new trainer will incorporate existing equipment and various training scenarios to reduce lost time and scheduling challenges.

“This trainer exceeded our expectations and has greatly impressed us,” said Brian Hill, AFGSC NC3 Training Branch Chief and project champion. “We hope this trainer can be for anyone who uses or maintains NC3 equipment as an initial, intermediate, and continuous trainer that frees up Airmen to better utilize their time.”

The trainer focused on the set-up, test, and shutdown of the communications systems used in unprepared alternate locations while simulating various weather conditions.

The XR trainer aims to increase proficiency in Airmen by creating familiarization of procedures and repeated use of virtual equipment. Data collected from training will also allow instructors to identify trends and best practices.

"The latest iteration of our XR trainer delivers dynamic scenario-based training across diverse weather conditions, featuring highly detailed, true-to-life replicas of real-world equipment,” said Cody Louviere, founder and CEO of King Crow Studios. “I am confident that this solution will drive measurable improvements, including reduced training time, increased training success rates, and equipment availability for command operations to keep real-world assets mission ready."

The trainer was developed via the Cyber Innovation Center’s (CIC) STRIKEWERX initiative, which serves as the innovation hub for AFGSC Office of the Chief Scientist. Since the CIC and STRIKEWERX started their partnership with AFGSC, it has led to nearly $300 million in savings for the Air Force.

“As the backbone of strategic deterrence, NC3 provides assured communication, command authority, and technical capability to make accurate decisions rapidly,” said Kevin Nolten, CIC president. “This latest training solution will effectively train Airmen who are vital to our nation’s defense, and we look forward to delivering more like these with our partners in the AFGSC Office of the Chief Scientist.”