Vrgineers and Lockheed Martin Partner to Develop Mixed Reality Pilot Training System

Vrgineers and Lockheed Martin Partner to Develop Mixed Reality Pilot Training System

Spread the love

The provider of next-generation virtual and mixed reality pilot training systems, Vrgineers, has developed a novel training solution in partnership with Lockheed Martin. The system combines the newest version of Vrgineers’ XTAL 3 VR/MR headset with Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D visual simulation platform.

Vrgineers’ XTAL device features an extreme 180° field of view (FoV) with two 4K resolution displays. As per the company, this is the first time that a physical cockpit simulator has been fitted with an ultra-wide FoV mixed reality headset to facilitate an immersive 1:1 simulation.

Lockheed Martin’s Prepar3D version 5 will now support the XTAL 3 mixed reality technology out of the box. The amalgamation of the two companies’ technologies will deliver realistic haptic feedback with the functionality that allows users to see their own hands and interact with a physical instrument panel. This puts the trainees in a completely immersive environment, helping them train their muscle memory.

The training platform was created for F-15, F-16, and F-35 fighter jets, but it is now being rolled out for modern aircraft variants. The advanced mixed reality capabilities of the XTAL 3 also prompted Pison Technology to adopt the device as the core headset and mixed reality solution for two distinct Phase II SBIR Program R&D contracts, funded by AFWERX for the US Air Force and the US Navy, aiming to develop advanced simulation technologies for manned flight simulators.

“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,” said Bryant Church, US Navy Aviator.

The joint effort between the two entities will enable a seamless transition from data-projectors or display-based simulators to XTAL-based systems.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Read other Articles


Spread the love