Toll Aviation has showcased its latest advancement in aviation training, the Mixed Augmented Virtual Reality Simulator (MAVS), at the Avalon Air Show.
Colloquially known as MAVS, the simulator was developed in partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) across 10 months. The system offers crews the opportunity to train for complex, high-risk missions in an immersive, controlled environment. MAVS is currently playing a crucial role in training rescue teams and specific groups of defence personnel.
MAVS represents a significant leap in pilot and crew training by blending virtual reality with physical real-world interaction. As opposed to traditional flight simulators which rely on screen and static controls, MAVS requires trainees to engage with both physical objects and crew whilst experiencing motion and other lifelike operational settings.
Designed as a helicopter simulator, MAVS can simulate a range of different helicopter models, ensuring that crews train on aircraft suited to their prior training. This results in a modular training tool that is both adaptable and dynamic, enhancing crew coordination, decision making and situational awareness in hazardous conditions, all from the safety of the ground.
At the Airshow, Toll Aviation invited attendees to experience MAVS firsthand. Visitors had the ability to trial the simulator in real time demonstrations, directed through a wide range of mission scenarios, testing their temperament and resolve in high stakes situations.
These trials allowed for a glimpse into how MAVS can improve operational readiness in demanding environments that would not be feasible or safe to train in. The highly interactive nature of the simulator matched its ability to realistically replicate real world challenges.
Researchers at UNSW were able to bypass potential software difficulties by integrating Google Earth’s worldwide high-resolution imagery into the simulator. This feature allows MAVS to recreate virtually any location on Earth in 3D, from a local Australian suburb to the Himalayan mountains. This allows for crews to train in specific terrains and operational zones like the Blue Mountains, a representative highlighted during the demonstration.
In remote areas where Google Earth lacks high-resolution imagery, Toll Aviation deploys its drone fleet to take high-resolution photo and video, mapping out the area to allow for accurate and scaled training experiences. This capability is particularly valuable to defence and specialised aviation teams that require mission specific preparation.
Whilst the simulator in its current stage is already pushing boundaries, Toll Aviation is actively working with UNSW to expand its capabilities.
“One key area for future development is enhanced weather simulation,” a Toll Aviation representative said to ADM.
In its current capacity, MAVS allows for users to adjust and experience different visibility settings. However, Toll Aviation aims to introduce a broader range of natural meteorological conditions such as rain, wind and turbulence. In addition, Toll Aviation would also like to make MAVS more accessible; currently MAVS is housed in a dedicated training facility in New South Wales and can be hired out by external organisations for training exercises.
Its impact on defence training is potentially immense: by simulating authentic battlefield emergency responses, the system allows for military crews to hone their skills in controlled environments. The spatial reality technology is enabling the defence force to put their training into practice, testing missional-critical procedures such as combat search and rescue and medevacs. As it evolves, Toll expects the technology to become an integral part of specific defence training programs.