US Air Force's Special 'Brain Training' to Help Pilots Fly Oldest Bomber, B-52; What to Know About CRAFT

The U.S. Air Force is now relying on a special brain training program to help pilots fly the oldest aircraft bomber more efficiently.

This just shows that the government is not done yet with the B-52 Stratofortress (also known as Big Ugly Fat Fella or BUFF).

The air service organization launched CRAFT (Comprehensive Readiness for Aircrew Flying Training) program this February.

CRAFT is expected to offer advanced body- and brain-conditioning activities to airmen who will be flying B-52s.

US Air Force's Special Brain Training

According to Business Insider's latest report, B-52s require special flight techniques because of the aircraft's unique dimensions; 159 feet long and 185 feet across (wingspan).

Pilots operating this aircraft bomber need to have rapid and precise reflexes to make the right call at the right time. This is why the U.S. Air Force wants to focus on airmen's cognitive performance.

One of the techniques that the defense department will use as part of its special brain training program is biofeedback.

CRAFT Chief Scientist Dr. Johannes Raabe explained that pilots can be trained to pay attention to their own stress signs.

These include uneven breathing and quick heart rate. If airmen can level these physical responses out, they can be calmer and more attentive when flying B-52s.

Aside from biofeedback, the CRAFT program will also use EEG (electroencephalogram) and other brain-related tools to assess trainees' cognitive load.

What Makes B-52 Special?

Air Force's official website explained that the B-52 has been the backbone of the United States' strategic bomber force. It is considered to be the aircraft that can drop the widest array of defense weapons in the U.S. inventory.

Although it is larger than other fighter jets or bombers, B-52 can reach high altitudes of up to 50,000 feet at high subsonic speeds.

You can click this link to learn more about the B-52 Stratofortress.

In other news, DARPA's new AR system is expected to assist the U.S. military to perform complex tasks. We also reported that U.S. officials are reconsidering the value of hypersonic missiles after the new CBO report was released.

For more news updates about bombers and other defense technologies, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.