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XR

© RED 6
FUTURE

REALITY

pilot training and services for maintainers and
Industry acceptance operators. Its training capabilities make use of
proprietary methods, simulation systems, and
of mixed-reality Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) learning environ-
ments, in addition to comprehensive classroom
technology is increasing and computer-based training programs. Finland
based Varjo is already creating some of the
world’s most advanced virtual and mixed real-
- By Atul Chandra ity hardware and cloud services for professional
use, seamlessly merging the real and digital
he military simulation and training industry is now in the early worlds in human-eye resolution. ‘With the supe-
stages of a transition towards mixed reality technology, which rior visual precision enabled by the new Varjo
T will transform military training. At present many of the world’s XR-3 Focal Edition, trainees can be engaged
militaries are using regular virtual reality (VR) training, which is in mixed reality training that replicates real-
focussed on the individual and as a result poses challenges in its life conditions by operating physical avionics,
use when side-by-side training is required for crew working together controls, and dashboards while flying in a fully
in real life aircraft. Despite many efforts, VR based simulation train- virtual environment. We will continue working
ing devices often have some shortcomings for achieving realistic closely with Leonardo in developing best-in-
two-person training. When it comes to the use of augmented reality class XR solutions for future pilot training,’ said
(AR), its narrow-field-of-view again reduces the peripheral vision Joachim Dekker, VP of Sales, EMEA and APAC,
of the trainee and is again incompatible for two-person training. at Varjo.
It is to meet thee requirements that companies are now turning to
mixed reality solutions. Leonardo is already utilising Varjo’s latest XR-3
Focal Edition headset for its Smart Chair, which
A New Approach will be used for training scenarios of future-gen-
Large defence OEMs are already working to expand their offerings eration aircraft. With its latest agreement with
in this domain, which will likely be fully operational around the time Varjo, Leonardo will develop next-generation
next-generation military aircraft enter service. In March, Leonardo immersive training solutions that leverage
and Varjo announced that they would join forces on next-generation best-in-class Varjo headsets for multiple use
XR training solutions. Through its partnership with Varjo, Leonardo cases across the pilot training curriculum.
will use the former’s industry-leading mixed reality technology to “Leonardo Simulation & Training experience,
enhance the capability of its own aircraft training devices. coupled with advanced Varjo technology, will
allow our products to increase pilots’ training
Leonardo will use Varjo’s mixed reality headsets to replace both its experience, bringing it into a more immersive
multi-touch screen and Visual Display System used on its current environment,” added Pietroniro, “both within
procedural training device. “The development of our next-genera- the specific Customer training pipelines and
tion training solutions with Varjo is based on specific requirements within the scope of International Flight Training
which will be key factors in competitiveness and will make it possible School, granting the continuous technological
to improve the performance of our products, with a direct return on innovation rate offered by the Campus.”
the market offer,” said Giuseppe Pietroniro, Head of Simulation and
Training Systems at Leonardo Aircraft Division.
Immersive Experience
Leonardo is already one of the international leaders in military The XR-3 Focal Edition not only provides a
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