Zurich University of Applied Sciences acquires VR helicopter simulator

The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) has selected the company VRM Switzerland, a provider of professional flight training simulation solutions, for a research partnership. As a result, the university has acquired a virtual reality (VR) helicopter simulator from VRM Switzerland.

VRMotion AG develops and produces virtual reality simulators for helicopter pilot training that enable full-body immersion and give the pilot the feeling of sitting in a real helicopter. We were able to report on this back in May reportthat the EASA has approved the Swiss company's first Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) for training its helicopter crews. The ZHAW has now also decided to work with such a simulator.

VR simulator for research and development

At the ZHAW Aviation Centre, the Flight Mechanics and Flight Control Systems team will use and further develop the simulator for various research and development purposes as well as in human factor and human machine interface research. According to VRM Switzerland, a motion-based simulator is needed because motion feedback for the pilot is necessary to achieve the required realism in different flight conditions, such as hovering when approaching the ground or during turbulent recovery training in general aviation.

Pierluigi Capone, Team Leader Flight Mechanics and Flight Control Systems at the ZHAW, comments on the partnership: "Compared to bulky and expensive simulators with large dome screens, VR enables cost-effective simulations in a small space. VR technology also enables research into the domains of human factors and human-machine interfaces."

With the VRM Swiss solution, the university will primarily simulate tilt-rotor helicopters and near-Earth aircraft. This requires a high-resolution visual system and a dynamic motion system to provide pilots with the necessary visual references and visualisations. "This is fundamental to the reality of the pilot's simulation experience," noted Dr Capone.

Professor Dr Michael Guillaume, Head of the ZHAW Flight Centre, comments: "The Flight Centre has 10 years of experience in research with simulators and supports the development of Pilatus PC24 with permanently installed, self-developed research and learning simulation edge technology from VRM Switzerland, we have found a unique solution that enables innovative research as part of our aviation bachelor's and master's degree programmes."

Source: neueschweizerzeitung / Youtube