<p> Hyper-graphics with ultra high resolution visuals, digitally stitched together to mimic reality as it is. Project this on a curved canvas, and you are ready with the perfect setting for a helicopter simulator like no other. <br /><br /></p>.<p>This is exactly what the American firm, Rockwell Collins and Indian simulation major, Zen Technologies teamed up to showcase to the Indian armed forces and other visitors at the Aero-India 2015. A firsthand experience by Deccan Herald had the realism take on a distinct Bengaluru tilt. <br /><br />As the copter cockpit seat tilted in tandem, the simulator screen shifted from a default American terrain to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). A decisive turn on the control here and a turn there, and the copter was suddenly flying right over the airport. Vehicles moved photo-realistically on the periphery. <br /><br />The message was clear: That the graphics on the hi-fidelity screen could be customised in any way. Designed for this was the synergy between Rockwell’s high-contrast projectors and its EPE 8000 computer graphics, and Zen Technologies’ display system and database.<br /><br />The graphics are completely programmable, explained a Rockwell Collins engineer. “The EP 8000 has 4 gigabytes of texture memory.” The Zen database could incorporate 3D models, satellite imagery and photo-realistic models.<br /><br />The primary objective of a simulator, as Brig KS Verma, a Zen official explained, “is to replicate reality as closely as possible. This would reduce capital costs of actually flying a helicopter including the fuel costs.” <br /><br />So, when the cockpit seats moves to enact a full-motion simulation, it actually hits you when there is a hard landing or a sudden tilt. <br /><br />Combined with the displays, the full system then gives the desired effect. Said Verma: “When you are flying over Bengaluru, you actually feel you are there hovering above the City. The huge developments in mapping have only added to the overall effect.”<br /><br />All helicopter training in the future are likely to be simulation-based, and simulators could be mandatory requirement. With the Indian armed forces set to acquire 1,000 copters over the next 10 to 15 years, rotor-wing simulation might well be the next big thing.<br /><br /></p>
<p> Hyper-graphics with ultra high resolution visuals, digitally stitched together to mimic reality as it is. Project this on a curved canvas, and you are ready with the perfect setting for a helicopter simulator like no other. <br /><br /></p>.<p>This is exactly what the American firm, Rockwell Collins and Indian simulation major, Zen Technologies teamed up to showcase to the Indian armed forces and other visitors at the Aero-India 2015. A firsthand experience by Deccan Herald had the realism take on a distinct Bengaluru tilt. <br /><br />As the copter cockpit seat tilted in tandem, the simulator screen shifted from a default American terrain to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). A decisive turn on the control here and a turn there, and the copter was suddenly flying right over the airport. Vehicles moved photo-realistically on the periphery. <br /><br />The message was clear: That the graphics on the hi-fidelity screen could be customised in any way. Designed for this was the synergy between Rockwell’s high-contrast projectors and its EPE 8000 computer graphics, and Zen Technologies’ display system and database.<br /><br />The graphics are completely programmable, explained a Rockwell Collins engineer. “The EP 8000 has 4 gigabytes of texture memory.” The Zen database could incorporate 3D models, satellite imagery and photo-realistic models.<br /><br />The primary objective of a simulator, as Brig KS Verma, a Zen official explained, “is to replicate reality as closely as possible. This would reduce capital costs of actually flying a helicopter including the fuel costs.” <br /><br />So, when the cockpit seats moves to enact a full-motion simulation, it actually hits you when there is a hard landing or a sudden tilt. <br /><br />Combined with the displays, the full system then gives the desired effect. Said Verma: “When you are flying over Bengaluru, you actually feel you are there hovering above the City. The huge developments in mapping have only added to the overall effect.”<br /><br />All helicopter training in the future are likely to be simulation-based, and simulators could be mandatory requirement. With the Indian armed forces set to acquire 1,000 copters over the next 10 to 15 years, rotor-wing simulation might well be the next big thing.<br /><br /></p>