Czech company Vrgineers displayed its portable trainer at ITEC 2023 for the first time with medium and high-fidelity HOTAS controllers and the XTAL 3 virtual reality headset. The controllers give haptic feedback as part of the pilot-vehicle interface.
Supplied in a heavy duty, military grade case, the portable trainer can be used for mission and procedural training for pilots of all skill levels. The system has a plug-and-play design that can be interconnected for collective training and is easily reconfigurable from fixed-wing to rotary-wing configuration.
An XTAL 3 headset features full RGB 4K resolution per eye, patented custom-made non-fresnel VR lenses that create realistic simulations with undistorted image across the entire field of view, and an attachment system for prescription lens inserts that replace glasses used for common eye disorders.
Explaining the system, CEO Vrgineers Marek Polcak said: “An experienced pilot can use the system to train and synchronise tactics or to rehearse a mission. The simulator folds into one box which is easily transportable for a pilot to take with them on a detachment or deployment so they can rehearse a mission immediately before its execution.”
When operating from their home base, pilots have access to high-fidelity dome simulators to maintain readiness, but when deployed or standing alert for the air policing mission, such access is not available, consequently, readiness declines.
“In the Czech Air Force for example, the shortfall was identified, so we are currently negotiating with them to support mission rehearsal for Gripen pilots,” Polcak said: “The idea is to deploy the same number of aircraft and simulators. We mostly supply to the US Air Force and the US Navy, but portable trainers are also used by Northrop Grumman and Red 6 Aerospace, an augmented reality technology company.”