In Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality News
May 3, 2022 – Vrgineers, a provider of next-generation virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) pilot training systems, has recently announced that it has developed a next-generation virtual and mixed reality pilot training system. The solution consists of the newest version of Vrgineers’ XTAL 3 VR/MR headset, and Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D visual simulation platform.
Vrgineers’ XTAL device comes with an extreme 180° field of view (FoV) made up of two 4K resolution displays. According to the company, its new training system marks the first time that a physical cockpit simulator has been fused with an ultra-wide FoV mixed reality headset in order to provide an immersive 1:1 simulation.
Vrgineers stated that Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D version 5 now supports its XTAL 3 mixed reality technology out of the box. The combination of the two companies’ technologies is able to offer realistic haptic feedback thanks to functionality that allows users to see their own hands and therefore interact with a physical instrument panel, which is something also offered by Vrgineers. As a result, trainees can find themselves in a completely immersive environment that allows them to train muscle memory.
Created for the F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, the training platform is now being rolled out for other modern aircraft. Vrgineers added that the advanced mixed reality capabilities of the XTAL 3 has resulted in the device being adopted by Pison Technology as the core headset and mixed reality solution for two distinct Phase II SBIR Program R&D contracts that collectively seek to develop advanced simulation technologies for manned flight simulators, funded by AFWERX for the US Air Force and the US Navy.
“Flying with the XTAL in a full-motion hydraulic sim and rolling in on a low-level bombing run literally felt like I was back in the cockpit, heart rate elevated, mental focus 100% on threat avoidance and target acquisition – incredible,” commented Bryant Church, US Navy Aviator.
Vrgineers added that as a result of the joint effort, existing Prepar3D users will experience a seamless transition when switching from data-projectors or display-based simulators to XTAL-based systems.
Commenting on the cost of its latest simulation training offering, Vrgineers CEO, Marek Polčák, said: “Such a setup, with a fully operational cockpit and XTAL mixed reality solution combined with Prepar3D is less expensive than a standard dome installation and has a smaller footprint.” Polčák added, “Thanks to these improvements, time spent in simulators is expected to grow rapidly, saving flight and maintenance costs and improving pilots’ battle-readiness to unprecedented levels.”
For more information on Vrgineers and its XTAL virtual and mixed reality headset, along with its 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.