Redbird Flight has been working on testing the prototype for its Redbird TD desktop BATD or basic aviation training device. This inventive offering is equipped with a mixed-reality (MR) headset supported by software that presents consumers with a highly authentic and intuitive flying experience. Whilst a lot of companies are focusing on mixed-reality systems, Redbird’s new offering will reportedly have a much better cost proposition if compared to what other simulator solutions makers in the market are offering.
The Redbird setup, currently on display at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, comprises of a desktop BATD, a Quantum 3D image creation system, and an MR headset from Varjo. Visitors to the exhibit are encouraged to test out the MR simulator.
A virtual reality (VR) perspective of the outside world is combined with the user’s ability to see and interact with physical hardware in mixed-reality (MR). A pilot wearing the Varjo headset and utilising the Redbird MR system has a 360-degree picture of the outside environment by just gazing in any direction. In contrast to a VR headset, which requires users to handle a simulator’s buttons and controls using a cursor-control device, the MR headset contains cameras on the exterior that aim at the way the viewer is gazing.
Mixed reality (MR) blends the real world’s virtual reality (VR) representation with a user’s capacity to observe and have interactions with physical equipment. As an instance of this, a pilot who dons the MR headset and taps into the MR setup by Redbird can get a comprehensive 360-degree view of the world around them, regardless of direction. The experience is different from those provided by VR headsets generally involves users having to handle simulator controls and levels through a cursor setup. Conversely, the mixed reality headset has exterior lenses that can aim in the direction a user is looking at.
The lenses display a part of the physical world to the user. One of the instances showcased includes a panel of a Cessna 172 simulation. It gives users the ability to observe their own hands to perform a set of actions including button pushes, knob twists and more. As an outcome, the VR experience is significantly more lifelike, and positive transfer in the training programme is much higher.
Operating a mixed reality system necessitates an enormous degree of computer resources. Accordingly, the Redbird system utilises dual GPUs, to help the user get a great view with each eye. The real-world visuals the user comes across are created by using the image creation software offering of Mantis by Quantum3D. They are not controlled by the simulator programme from Redbird.
According to Quantum3D CEO Murat Kose, Mantis is currently being used for military activities. Notably, Virgin Galactic has started relying on a Quantum3D system for suborbital flight pilot training. Quantum3D MR is utilised by a German-based air ambulance business for Airbus H145 pilot training. In addition, organisations dealing with firefighting operations are also relying on technology.