VRM Switzerland Unveils Helicopter Training Device

VRM Switzerland is presenting its latest development, the Airbus H125 training device, at European Rotors in Cologne, Germany, from 16-18 November. Pilots with type rating can train on it immediately without any adaptation time and without changing their working strategy. Flying the simulator is representative for flying the real helicopter.

Its 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 (virtual reality) 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.

VRM Switzerland's research team has optimized the VR simulator technology.

"We have conducted countless iterations and tests with tens of professional helicopter pilots to reach the most realistic simulation level we have ever achieved," says Fabi Riesen, CEO of VRM Switzerland. “Pilots who have tested the simulator with us speak of the enormous potential of this technology for flight training and for improving flight safety. 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 Riesen.