Companies to develop virtual reality training simulator

Dufour Aerospace's Aero3 eVTOL, an eight-seat hybrid-electric aircraft, is expected to enter service in early 2025.

Published: June 1, 2024

Share on social networks

Drone and eVTOL aircraft developer Dufour Aerospace has joined forces with Loft Dynamics to create the first virtual reality simulator for eVTOL aircraft, aimed at training future pilots.

Since its founding in 2016, Loft Dynamics (formerly known as VRM Switzerland) has been producing VR simulators for helicopters, including a specific simulator for the Airbus H125. Now, it will collaborate with Dufour Aerospace, in the development of a VR simulator for the Aero3 eVTOL, a hybrid-electric aircraft seating eight passengers.

This innovative aircraft is expected to enter service in early 2025.

It may interest you

• CA Auto Bank and GAC Motor will strengthen the European automotive market in 2025

• Extinct volcanoes may hold the keys to obtaining rare earths

Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics, stated that this partnership with Dufour Aerospace marks a breakthrough in training a wider variety of pilots, paving the way for future eVTOL simulator certification. According to Riesen, they started with helicopters because of the complexity of simulating their physics and motion, which represents a substantial advantage in transferring this technology to eVTOL aircraft.

Training simulator for the Aero3 eVTOL

Dufour Aerospace’s Aero3 eVTOL, with tilting wings, is designed for use in emergency medical, urban, regional and private transport markets, including air cab and VIP transport services.

Thomas Pfammatter, founder and CEO of Dufour Aerospace, noted that virtual reality offers a superior solution within extended reality training technologies. He stressed the importance of this technology in the development of the Aero3’s human-machine interface, allowing pilots to integrate new concepts quickly and efficiently.

In addition, Pfammatter noted that VR facilitates the acquisition of experience in a safe and extremely realistic environment, which is crucial for handling complex operations such as wing tilt and ground suction effects. This, he believes, will provide valuable data for the development of the aircraft.

Follow us on social networks and don’t miss any of our publications!

YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X

Source: aerospacetestinginternational

Photo: shutterstock