\"Flying the XTAL in a full-motion hydraulic simulation and taxiing into a low-level flight literally felt like I was back in the cockpit, with an elevated heart rate and 100 per cent focus on threat avoidance and target acquisition - incredible,\" says Bryant Church, U.S. Navy Aviator. The pilot talks about his mixed reality experience and his new flight training.<\/p>\n
For the new training hardware, the Czech company Vrgineers is cooperating with the US defence contractor Lockheed Martin.<\/p>\n
The special feature of this set-up is the combination of virtual flight with realistic cockpit handling. Pilots in training see the virtual flight environment and the interior of their aircraft in the VR goggles. The XTAL goggles offer 4K resolution per eye, a wide field of vision of 180 degrees and integrated eye tracking.<\/p>\n
At the same time, pilots can operate the physical cockpit of the simulator with their own hands using cameras integrated into the VR goggles. The controls should be so precise that pilots can even train their muscle memory. The Prepare platform supports hydraulic movements that enhance the virtual flight experience.<\/p>\n
The platform is optimised for the F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighter jets and is to receive support for other aircraft. Several simulators can be linked together for training joint air manoeuvres. According to Vrgineers, research projects funded by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy are underway to further develop the simulation technology in combination with Xtal goggles.<\/p>\n
According to Marek Pol\u010d\u00e1k, CEO of Vrgineers, the mixed reality simulation station is less expensive than the large all-round screen simulators usually used in pilot training and takes up less space. He expects that training time in simulators will increase as a result of these improvements.<\/p>\n
If you would like to experience a really cool virtual flying experience in Switzerland in a meticulously recreated F\/A-18 fighter aircraft cockpit, you should visit Fly and Race in Zurich. We have written about it in a multi-part series reports<\/a>.<\/p>\n