Human Effectiveness Advanced Technology Development

PE 0603456F: Human Effectiveness Advanced Technology Development is a program element within the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically under Budget Activity 3 for Advanced Technology Development. The overarching goal of this program is to develop, demonstrate, and transition technologies that enhance Airman performance and effectiveness across a range of operational domains. The program is managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which coordinates efforts to align with Department of the Air Force (DAF) priorities and accelerate the delivery of innovative science and technology solutions. The program supports the development of subsystems and components, and their integration into prototypes for field experiments and simulated tests.

Directed Energy Bioeffects Parameters (Project 635323) focuses on predicting, evaluating, and mitigating the effects of directed energy (DE) weapon systems such as high-power microwaves and high-energy lasers on personnel and mission performance. This project develops guidelines for testing, deployment, and protection from DE systems, and creates technology to safeguard warfighters. Key objectives include developing modeling and simulation tools for hazard analysis, integrating bioeffects models into mission-level analyses, and advancing technologies like agile laser eye protection. The project also supports the development of counter-DE weapon technologies and contributes to standards and risk assessment tools for DE systems, in collaboration with AFRL's Directed Energy Directorate and other Air Force entities.

Biosciences Performance Demonstration (Project 635324) aims to sustain and enhance Airman physical and cognitive performance in adverse operational and training environments. The project leverages advances in molecular biology, biosensors, artificial intelligence, and non-invasive monitoring devices to sense, assess, and mitigate performance degradation due to fatigue, injury, stress, or cognitive overload. Notable objectives include developing fatigue management systems, integrating eye-tracking algorithms with mission software, and validating neuromodulation technologies such as transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation. The project also supports real-time monitoring of Airman readiness and intervention protocols, with a focus on collaborative combat aircraft operations and multi-autonomous platform control.

Mission Effective Performance (Project 635325) is dedicated to advancing training, simulation, and mission rehearsal technologies to improve warfighter readiness. This includes developing secure, persistent live-virtual-constructive (LVC) training environments, integrating readiness measurement tools, and enhancing proficiency-based training infrastructure. The project supports the Combat Air Force (CAF) and joint/coalition training needs by incorporating high-fidelity simulation, data tracking, and management tools. Efforts also focus on interoperability across 4th, 5th, and next-generation mission sets, with demonstrations and evaluations conducted in partnership with Air Combat Command (ACC) and other stakeholders.

Warfighter Interfaces (Project 635327) seeks to revolutionize how Airmen and Guardians interact with Department of the Air Force combat and support systems, including autonomous machines and adaptive human-machine teams. The project develops advanced interface technologies, decision-aiding tools, and collaborative software to optimize multi-domain command and control, intelligence analysis, and mission planning. Objectives include reducing cognitive workload, enhancing situational awareness, and enabling distributed operations through improved human-machine interfaces and artificial intelligence integration. The project also supports joint all-domain battle management and collaborative combat aircraft mission planning, with technology demonstrations for Air Force and partner nation stakeholders.

Throughout PE 0603456F, Congressional adds have supported specific initiatives such as Airborne Augmented Reality for pilot training, Critical Care Air Transport Teams, Automated Geospatial Intelligence Algorithms, and Tactical Personal Area Networks. These targeted investments have accelerated research and technology demonstration in areas directly tied to operational effectiveness and readiness. The program's acquisition strategy is research-focused, with no direct procurement activities, and emphasizes transitioning mature technologies to operational commands and program offices for further development and fielding.