Varjo, a provider of industrial-grade virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) hardware and software, has today announced that its technology has powered the first mixed reality flight simulation training device (FSTD) qualified to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.
Developed by Swiss manufacturer BRUNNER Elektronik AG, the NOVASIM MR DA-42 simulator achieved Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer II (FNPT II) qualification, deployed by Lufthansa Aviation Training. It simulates the Diamond DA42 aircraft, widely used in civil aviation training.
At the simulator’s core is Varjo’s XR-4 Focal Edition headset that delivers a photorealistic mixed reality cockpit environment blending virtual and real-world elements at human-eye resolution. The headset’s visual precision was essential to fulfilling EASA’s rigorous special condition requirements, according to Varjo.
Varjo added that the certification marks Europe’s first formal recognition of mixed reality-based training for civilian flight training hours, setting an important precedent in aviation education.
“This is a milestone not only for Varjo and Brunner, but for the future of pilot training in civil aviation,” said Tristan Cotter, Global Head of Defense & Aerospace at Varjo. “With this certification, mixed reality is no longer a forward-looking concept, it’s a verified, scalable, and cost-effective solution ready to meet the operational demands of the industry today.”
With dynamic scene rendering and real-time response to pilot inputs from typical physical controls, the Varjo-powered simulator is able to deliver a significantly more enhanced training experience compared to traditional FNPT II devices, according to Varjo. Integrated eye-tracking further captures trainees’ visual attention during critical scenarios, enabling precise feedback from instructors on decision-making and awareness.
Roger Klingler, CEO of BRUNNER Elektronik AG, stated: “We are proud to lead the way in redefining aviation training by achieving the first-ever EASA qualification for a mixed reality simulator. With the NOVASIM MR DA42, we’ve combined precision Swiss engineering with breakthrough XR technology to deliver a simulator that meets demanding regulatory standards while providing unmatched realism and flexibility in pilot training.”
Manuel Meier, CEO at Lufthansa Aviation Training, added: “We have supported this pioneering project from the very beginning – contributing our expertise to the qualification process and the technical advancement of the mixed reality simulator.”
Varjo noted that amid global pilot shortages and pressures to modernize training methods, this latest qualification from the EASA could help accelerate XR adoption and set the stage for further regulatory approvals.
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Foto: Varjo
