Virtually Immersed

VRM Switzerland's research team has optimized the VR simulator technology. Extensive evaluations with aviation professionals have successfully confirmed the chosen approach. "We have conducted countless iterations and tests with tens of professional helicopter pilots to reach the most realistic simulation level we have ever achieved. Pilots who have tested the simulator with us speak of the enormous potential of this technology for flight training and for improving flight safety," says Fabi Riesen, CEO of VRM Switzerland. "Ground-level manoeuvers that require a 3D display and high-resolution imagery, such as hovering and slope operations, can be performed just like in the real helicopter. We are proud that for the first time we have type-rated pilots who take-off, hover and land the simulator as precisely as the real H125, with no adaptation time. These manoeuvers require perfect tuning of the various parameters and are now possible thanks to our VR technology-based training solution," adds Fabi Riesen.

The VRM Pose Tracking System enables the pilot to operate the helicopter in the familiar way. The pilot's artificially represented body allows natural operation of control elements in the fully replicated cockpit. "In our evaluations, we have seen that pilots operate the cockpit elements completely intuitively and with the same speed as in reality; even the avionics touch screen, which is a milestone in the VR industry. It's impressive to see how hands-on the pilots are in the immersive environment," states Christoph Ammann, an experienced flight instructor who has led many practical tests and evaluations.

The electrically driven high dynamic motion platform, gives pilots the feeling they need to fly the helicopter with precision. The simulation of the helicopter's behaviour is based on actual recorded flight data. “The integral system was developed and is built in-house by VRM Switzerland and for the first time offers pilots a full-body immersion for professional flight training.” Fabi Riesen underlines.

VRM Switzerland has qualified the first VR training device as a type-specific Robinson R22 FNPT II under EASA regulation. The company consists of an innovative team of 30 passionate engineers, highly specialized developers and dedicated aviation experts. All mechanical designs and electronic circuits are designed and coordinated in-house. Another strength of the team is its proximity to flight schools and operators. www.vrm-switzerland.ch