# Air Force Advances B-52 VR Training at Barksdale

The Air Force’s EARL virtual-reality trainer, developed by small business Specular Theory and paired with the structured I-BUFF curriculum, improved B-52 air-refueling training at Barksdale Air Force Base. A study of 233 pilots found trainees reached proficiency with an average of 1.7 fewer sorties and 39 fewer minutes of flight time. The report describes an operational training innovation—not an open solicitation or announced contract—but the measured results could inform future requirements for simulator development, training content, and human-performance measurement if the approach is formalized or expanded to other aircraft.

- The reported reductions in sorties and flight time offer procurement teams measurable outcomes to consider when evaluating simulator-based training approaches.
- Specular Theory is identified as the EARL simulator developer; the signal does not identify a contract vehicle, contract value, or solicitation.
- Contractors working in military simulation and training can use the results as evidence of potential interest in similar capabilities, while recognizing that no specific procurement opportunity is announced.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Air Force (USAF)
- Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC)
- Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC)
- 307th Operations Group

### Vendors
- Specular Theory (EARL simulator developer)

### Key Quotes
> You never want it to be based on a person. You want it to be based on a process.
> — Aaron Bohl, commander, 307th Operations Group

### Sources
- [
	Every Minute Counts: How a homegrown VR trainer is reshaping B-52 training > Air Force Reserve Command > News Article
](https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4621120/every-minute-counts-how-a-homegrown-vr-trainer-is-reshaping-b-52-training/) - AFRC