Vrgineers new XTAL 3 MR headset is a game-changer for pilot simulation and training

The leader in mixed and virtual reality pilot training systems Vrgineers introduced at CES 2022 what they have been working on for a while now. That headset is a mixed and virtual reality headset developed with military pilots’ input called XTAL 3; expected to be a game-changer within pilot training and simulation.

What did Vrgineers announce?

The leader in military-grade pilot training and simulation systems in virtual and mixed reality Vrgineers recently at CES 2022 announced their newest, innovative headset XTL 3.

In collaboration with Air Force pilots consulting on the development, the newest XTAL was conceived and tailor-made for simulated pilot training. Thanks to their assistance, Vrgineers unlocked the potential of virtual and mixed reality simulations, steering the way for simulated pilot training for the next generation.

The XTL 3 is both a mixed and virtual reality headset as cadets and pilots-in-training must be able to see their hands and fingers to interact with simulated instrument panels, learn proper motor skills, and practice general procedures. Furthermore, the 8K sharp resolution and a wide field of view provide unsurpassed immersion for simulated flying and subsequent training. The perceived visual fidelity is further aided by Vrgineers’ one-dot technology that adapts its dynamic resolution (called foveated rendering) based on the wearer’s unique facial characteristics.

As CEO and co-founder, Vrgineers Marek Polcak says, “The XTAL 3 calibration process uses unique one-dot calibration that creates a virtual mathematical model of the user’s face allowing us to calculate precise calibration formulas for eye tracking”

XTL 3’s specifications

• Display resolution: 8K LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
• Optics: In-house developed, non-fresnel lens (*has a warped nature and wide FoV, so likely a modified Fresnel lens*)
• Field-of-View: 180 degrees horizontal, 90 degrees vertical
• Biometrics: integrated eye-tracking system for gaze analytics and heat map visualization
• Weight: 700 g / 24.69 oz
• Dimensions: 293x123x113 mm / 11.53×4.84×4.44 in
• Tracking: Inside-out, no external trackers needed; compatible with Ultraleap hand-tracking
• Mixed reality functionality: two pass-through cameras enable mixed reality features
• Comfort: corrective lens inserts for glass users and IPD (inter-pupillary distance) adjustment
• General software support: Steam VR and OpenXR drivers, Unity, Unreal, and other game engines plugins, C++ libraries (Direct X, OpenGL, Vulcan)
• Simulation software support: Lockheed Martin Prepar3D, DCS World, X-Plane 11, Bohemia Interactive Simulations (VBS3, VBS4), Microsoft Flight Simulator, Aero FS 2, FlyInside, and other custom integrations

How will this impact the lucrative virtual and mixed reality training and simulation industry?

The history of virtual reality has a long and firm footing in the simulated training of piloting, both for military purposes and commercial flying. Even though the Czech Republic company, Vrgineers, predominantly focuses on the European aviation pilot simulation and training market, the global industry is estimated at USD3.841 bn in 2020 and is expected to balloon to 4.789 bn by the end of 2027.

This compound annual growth rate of 3.2% is driven by a few factors, some of which are virtual and mixed reality simulation and training. Namely, VR and MR have been shown to decrease the substantial costs of pilot training combined with an expected general increase in demand for pilots globally year over year. With this new headset it seems that Vrgineers are ready to capitalize on such growth.

Conclusion

Vrgineers announced their new XTAL 3 mixed and virtual reality headset at CES 2022. An MR/VR offering that is a game-changer for the pilot simulation and training industry, offering unprecedented levels of realism and immersion. With the XTAL 3, cadets can learn avionics in the most realistic simulation from one of the widest fields of view on the market and built-in biometrics for analysis and evaluation of performance.

In effect, Vrgineers strives to capitalize on the growing market of MR and VR simulated pilot training.