AFWERX Supports AI-guided Engine Maintenance Training for Air Force Maintainers

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force’s innovation arm, is supporting the development of artificial intelligence and extended reality capabilities to help Airmen practice aircraft engine maintenance procedures in a virtual environment.

The effort combines interactive 3D engine models, technical data and a conversational AI assistant. Developed by HTX Labs, the technology is intended to give maintainers additional opportunities to study engine components and practice procedures before working with physical equipment.

Aircraft maintainers rely on technical documentation, equipment and qualified instructors to develop their skills. Access to aircraft, training engines and instructors, however, can be limited by scheduling and operational demands, reducing opportunities for hands-on instruction.

In 2023, HTX Labs received a $1.25 million Small Business Innovation Research Phase II award for a project supporting the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. The project focused on integrating technical data into digital aircraft models, using the KC-135 Stratotanker as a case study.

In 2025, AFWERX selected HTX Labs for a Strategic Funding Increase, or STRATFI, opportunity with funding of up to $5.8 million to support further development. STRATFI provides additional funding for qualifying Phase II efforts, combining SBIR/STTR funding with government or private investment to help technologies advance toward operational use.

Since 2019, HTX Labs has received 14 Phase I and Phase II awards totaling approximately $16.9 million in AFWERX funding.

According to HTX Labs, the platform’s conversational AI assistant is designed to guide users through maintenance procedures, identify engine components, track training progress and reinforce safety requirements. Interactive 3D models allow maintainers to review technical information and become familiar with procedures before applying their knowledge in hands-on training.

As part of the STRATFI effort, maintainers from the 101st Maintenance Squadron, part of the Maine Air National Guard’s 101st Air Refueling Wing, conducted immersive training focused on the KC-135’s F108 engine.

The technology is intended to supplement approved technical guidance, qualified instructors and required hands-on training. Continued evaluation will assess procedural accuracy, knowledge retention and training efficiency to determine how the capability could support established instructional practices.

By exploring additional ways for maintainers to practice complex procedures, the AFWERX-supported effort addresses training constraints that can affect aircraft readiness and the Department of the Air Force’s ability to generate and sustain airpower.

*Disclaimer: References to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of War or Air Force endorsement of any company or organization.