Archer Aviation Debuting MR Training for Midnight eVTOL
A cutting-edge mixed-reality flight training equipment (MR FTD) for the Midnight eVTOL aircraft is being unveiled by Archer Aviation at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Florida. The goal of this cutting-edge technology is to improve pilot preparedness and operational productivity. It was created in collaboration with Vertex Solutions, a pioneer in extended-reality (XR) instructional technologies.
The U.S. Air Force (USAF), which is assisting Archer in training military pilots to fly the Midnight aircraft, is supported by the Midnight MR FTD. Archer revealed the USAF’s $1 million investment in a transportable flying simulator in October 2023. Archer also intends to expand its worldwide reach by supplying Etihad Aviation teaching in the United Arab Emirates with this cutting-edge teaching technology.
For the Midnight MR FTD, Archer and Vertex are aiming for FAA Level 7 FTD certification, which is the greatest level of technical expertise available outside full-flight simulators. The gadget will provide practical, high-fidelity instruction for eVTOL operations thanks to this accreditation.
The Midnight MR FTD is poised to become the first FAA-qualified mixed-reality eVTOL flight training device. It will establish a new standard for eVTOL training technology, according to Dennis Wikoff, the COO and President of Vertex Solutions.
The Midnight MR FTD integrates a bespoke simulation framework from Ryan Aerospace with model-specific equipment housed in a sealed flying deck. In order to provide an immersive teaching environment, the system also makes use of Aechelon Technology’s Nucleus picture engine and Varjo XR-4 headsets.
The chief operating officer of Archer’s urban air transportation division, Tom Anderson, highlighted the value of mixed-reality training resources and the fact that working with Vertex guarantees pilots are ready to fly the Midnight securely.
Vertex Solutions has a long history of creating custom interactive courses that assist staff members in learning more quickly, retaining information longer, and working more efficiently. Vertex offers a variety of cutting-edge training solutions for U.S. government and defence organisations, such as the Federal Aviation Administration and other federal agencies, as well as its mixed-reality aviation education gear.
Vertex was given a contract by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in 2022 to develop and incorporate an F-16 MR FTD for the United States Air Force. The business further cemented its position as a leader in contemporary military training technology the same year when it was awarded a DIU-sponsored agreement to create a programmable multi-place mixed-reality (MPMR) rotary-wing flight simulator to serve the USAF.
From December 2–6, Vertex Solutions will be showcasing the Midnight MR FTD at their exhibit at I/ITSEC in Orlando, giving participants a preview of what eVTOL pilot training could look like in the future.
