In Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality News
April 11, 2024 – Vrgineers, a provider of next-generation virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) pilot training systems, has recently announced that it has been selected by Lockheed Martin to participate in a pilot training industrial cooperation project for the F-35 fighter jet as part of an initiative to supply the Czech Republic with two squadrons of fifth Generation jet fighters.
“We are honored to be part of the F-35 Industrial Cooperation Programme in the Czech Republic and are committed to supporting pilot training with all the technologies and capabilities our Vrgineers team can offer,” said Marek Polcak, co-founder and CEO of Vrgineers.
What does the partnership entail?
As part of the strategic partnership, Vrgineers will be responsible for the development and delivery of unclassified next generation training simulators, specifically tailored to support Czech pilots. The company stated that while these simulators may not replicate the precise behavior of the training aircraft with 100% accuracy, they are designed to meet certain training procedures and familiarization requirements. Vrgineers added that the development marks a significant milestone in ensuring the readiness and competence of the Czech Republic’s pilot training programs.
What do Vrgineers training simulators offer?
One notable feature of these training simulators is their non-confidential mode, allowing for operation in non-secure environments. According to Vrgineers, this key attribute enhances the training simulators’ accessibility by eliminating the need for specialized secured rooms, making the simulators readily available for pilot training.
The simulators are engineered for quick and easy setup and operation to ensure that pilots have continuous access to training tools, which the company stated will help to optimize the training process, as well as contribute to overall pilot readiness and effectiveness.
Although its primary application is for aviation, Vrgineers’ technology has the potential for use across various industries where training for heavy equipment operation is required. The company’s XTAL device comes with an extreme 180° field of view (FoV) made up of two 4K resolution displays, and can be used in combination with physical simulator setups for enhanced immersion and realism.
What do the Czech armed forces make of Vrgineers’ technology?
“The Czech Air Force (CzAF) has many years of experience in the operational deployment of tactical aircraft. The introduction and use of tactical simulators that can be easily packed, transported and assembled to train tactical scenarios and the broad spectrum of missions outside of the main operational base will enable the currency of our pilots even during long-term deployments,” said BG Jaroslav Mika, Deputy Director of the Force Development Division of the Ministry of Defence.
“New trends of VR and MR enable this requirement, and thanks to the agreed industrial cooperation between Lockheed Martin and Vrgineers as part of the F-35 contract, CzAF will have an opportunity to use such a system.”
For more information on Vrgineers and its virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) pilot training solutions, please visit the company’s website.
Image credit: Vrgineers
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Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.