Genesys Aerosystems, a Moog company, has made its Virtual IDU (VIDU) available, a new software tool for all levels of full flight simulators/flight training devices and integration testing.

The VIDU is a software platform that runs on a Windows PC and emulates a physical IDU-680 or IDU-450. Utilising standard TCP/IP, the VIDU can be configured in multiple instances that can run simultaneously on a single or networked computer. The VIDU runs the same code as physical integrated display units (IDUs) found in aircraft, allowing manufacturers or integrators to test the interface on a PC rather than using aircraft time. Utilising the VIDU helps reduces the cost of flight testing integrations during aircraft certification. Additionally, a user can use the VIDU to construct a high-fidelity simulator/flight training device combined with other supporting sensors for accredited pilot training.

“The Virtual IDU is a great solution for our OEM aircraft partners looking for a test platform for evaluating integrations without committing physical assets that could be better used in an aircraft,” says Gordon Pratt, VP of business development. “With the VIDU, operators now have a tool to train their pilots that replicates the exact configuration they will encounter in the aircraft.”

Each instance is controlled by a configuration file that contains information to connect or ‘wire’ a VIDU to other VIDUs, sensors or peripheral driver software. The VIDU consists of a bezel with simulated buttons and knobs that are responsive to mouse commands, furthering the software's realism. The addition of the bezel and buttons allows the VIDU to be controlled in the same manner as a real IDU and makes it an ideal training tool for systems familiarisation. The VIDU communicates and is responsive to external keyboard messages and can output audio alerts and tones.

A licence for the VIDU is included in a customised package for users, with variable pricing.