Press Release

Issued by Loft Dynamics.

November 16, 2021

VRM Switzerland, the leading manufacturer of VR helicopter simulators, is presenting its latest development, the Airbus H125 training device, at the European Rotors event in Cologne, Germany from 16th to 18th Novemeber. Pilots with type ratings can train on it immediately without any adaptation time and without changing their working strategy. Flying the simulator is representative of flying the real helicopter.

VRM Switzerland's research team has optimised 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 manoeuvres 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 manoeuvres require perfect tuning of the various parameters and are now possible thanks to our VR technology-based training solution."

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.