Vrgineers, a provider of next-generation virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) pilot training systems, and DigiFlight, a provider of cybersecurity, IT, aerospace, and training solutions with extensive worldwide pilot training experience, have this week announced that they have partnered to produce a modern and comprehensive training solution for the Apache multi-role attack helicopter.
With over 1,200 aircraft currently in service, the Advanced Mixed Reality Apache Trainer (AMRAT) will accelerate training pilots with high fidelity MR solutions and therefore significantly reduce the number of aircraft hours normally required to support training individual and crew tasks, according to the companies.
The AMRAT is built on a proprietary portable platform designed by Vrgineers, which was originally created for the US Air Force (USAF). The platform provides an affordable, immersive, and realistic experience without requiring expensive visual display systems, complicated support systems, or unique facility design requirements.
The trainer includes two separate but interconnected crew stations, (the pilot and co-pilot gunner station), with replicated switches, panels, flight instruments, and displays connected to a computer and integrated VR image generator. Currently, the platform runs on immersive flight simulator software provided by ED Mission Systems.
“The possibility to conduct a seamless mixed reality environment with a portable haptic flight seat run by a true-to-life simulation engine ensures the pilot’s proficiency, but most importantly delivers the sensation of a unique and genuine experience encompassing complex operational scenarios. This enables our users to save time and effort along with minimizing the cost of training infrastructure and related running hours,” said Matthias Techmanski, Director at ED Mission Systems.
The novel training solution is the result of the cooperation between Vrgineers, and DigiFlight. Commenting on the partnership, Marek Polcak, CEO of Vrgineers, said: “We strongly feel that by combining our skills, we are able to deliver a training device capable of supporting Apache training tasks, including individual and crew skills, preparing trainees to operate in any environment, and fulfilling critical mission requirements.”
Polcak added, “This type of modern trainer is expected to play a crucial role in pilot training in the future. Not only for Apache, but for Defiant (LMCO & Boeing) and Valor (Bell), which are currently being developed and competing in future vertical lift programs in the US.”
Vrgineers and DigiFlight will be jointly presenting their conceptual MR Apache Trainer, at I/ITSEC in Orlando, Florida next week. For more information on Vrgineers and its VR and MR pilot training systems, please visit the company’s website.
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Image credit: Vrgineers
