Luke Air Force Base TITAN arena

You’ve heard the saying 'an aircraft is only as good as the pilot flying it.'

That’s why it was such a privilege to be able to use our SBIR Phase III award to complete these human performance renovations and take part in health and human performance innovation for the 309th Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base. The squadron’s TITAN (Tactical Integrated Training and Nutrition) Arena houses the 56th FW Human Performance Team which supports holistic performance improvement across physical and psychological domains to 210 Luke AFB fighter pilots.

Luke Air Force Base TITAN Arena

Location:

Maricopa County, Arizona

Facility Size:

14,150 SQ FT

A recent study found that 89% of pilots reported physical pain that had a significant impact on their flight mission, while 63% of these pilots reported pulling out of turns early because of this pain.

Maximizing the lethality, performance, and longevity of these fighter pilots requires a program that incorporates cognitive performance, emotional resiliency, strength & conditioning, performance nutrition, and physical therapy. Holistically healthy pilots are the ultimate objective, because even in a highly technical environment like a 5th generation fighter jet, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the human system must be the #1 priority.

The renovations include 14,150 square feet of nutrition and exercise space including a complete indoor workout space, nutrition center, office spaces, PT center, and locker/bathrooms. The renovations brought the existing facility up to modern standards for the latest revised pilot training protocols, and was specifically aligned to the new TITAN pilot training strategy; a strategy that required new types of equipment, technology, and functionality, all within the existing building.

Thanks to the use of the SBIR Phase III, Luke AFB was able to complete these extensive renovations without the headaches associated with the traditional military construction process.

It was also completed at a cost lower than the average cost at installation, despite the fact though it occurred during a time of significant construction supply chain constraints and cost increases.