Varjo and Vertex Partner to Provide XR Training for the US Air Force

August 16, Professional Advanced Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR) Hardware and Software VendorsVarjoAnnounced with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) XR flight simulator developer and integratorVertex Solutionscooperate.

As a result of this partnership, Varjo will provide virtual and mixed reality technology for Vertex Solutions' rotary and fixed-wing XR flight simulators. In addition, the U.S. Air Force (USAFF) All doctoral RotorXR pilot training will use the equippedVarjo Aeroand XR-3 Focal Edition mixed reality head-mounted display device Vertex Solutions completed.

据Varjo介绍，由Varjo XR-3 Focal Edition头戴显示器装备的Vertex Solutions的多人混合现实（MPMR) flight simulator will be evaluated for FAA certification as an Advanced Aviation Training Device, or Flight Training Device (FTD) Level 7, a first for RotorXR training.

"Vertex is honored to win three advanced pilot training contracts with the Defense Innovation Unit: an integrator for pilot training transformation; and a multiplayer mixed reality flight simulator," said Dennis Wikoff, President and Chief Operating Officer, Vertex Solutions and our recently won Fighter/Bomber Basic MR Enhanced Rapid Jet Pilot Training. Our success relies on partners we can trust to deliver high-quality products at the speed of innovation, and simulators from Varjo and Vertex Solutions are able to provide The U.S. Department of Defense provides top-notch pilot training."

Varjo pointed out that the Weapon Systems Simulator (WST) and Operational Flight Simulator (OFT) used by the US Air Force to train pilots in the past were expensive, visually outdated and less functional. The Vertex replacement will save the DoD $3 million, the companies said. Additionally, the units have little additional infrastructure cost as they fit into common office spaces, are powered by standard 110V AC, and require no additional heating, ventilation or air conditioning equipment.

According to Varjo, previous US Air Force fixed-wing programs using Vertex XR solutions have reduced the time it takes pilots to fly independently (i.e., the time a new pilot spends practicing and training before obtaining a license without an instructor) by 30- 50%, and even as high as 70% in some cases.

Director of Vertex Aviation Air Force Division, former Air Force Education and Training Division (AETC)'s Flight Training Transformation Program 19AF Deputy Commander Timothy 'TJ' Moser said: "Using XR to replace the obsolete WST in updated rotor training is a huge step forward for the industry. The USAF cannot compromise on training quality, but always strives to save time and cost, while providing the highest quality training experience, so we look forward to incorporating the latest and most advanced mixed reality technology into their training.”

Specifically designed for use in the cockpit, the Varjo XR-3 Focal Edition optimizes the focal length of the 4K camera for viewing objects at arm's length. With Varjo hardware-enhanced mixed reality capabilities, pilots can read gauges as if they were in a real cockpit and continue to look out the window.

Seppo Aaltonen, Varjo's Chief Commercial Officer, said: "We are delighted to partner with Vertex Solutions to improve the flight simulator for the U.S. Air Force. Due to its FAA certification potential, haptic feel and affordable visuals and realism, mixed reality solutions Programs are the future of pilot training."

The MPMR prototype has recently undergone rigorous user experience validation and will be operational in early 2024, the companies said. Combined with the ten VR simulators already included in the U.S. Air Force curriculum, Varjo and Vertex Solutions, along with other partners, will provide simulation solutions specifically for U.S. Air Force doctoral rotor training.

To learn more about Varjo and its human-eye-resolution XR headsets, click here. To learn more about Vertex Solutions and their mixed reality flight simulator, click here.

Image credit: Varjo/Vertex Solutions