When reality disappoints, virtual reality takes over – The Hindu

If the reality of a relatively lacklustre air show and plane display had seen disappointment among the swelling crowds at Aero India here, it was the virtual world that came to their rescue.

While there is little doubt that air shows and display of planes were toned down compared with the last edition, the exhibition halls used cutting-edge technology to bring visitors one step closer to the cherished metal birds.

The use of virtual reality (VR), 360 degree immersible software, simulators, and mock-up displays was omnipresent in the exhibits, allowing visitors to get into the cockpits of the indigenous fighter Tejas, Lockheed Martins F-16, the civilian aircraft Saras, and the Swedish fighter Gripen.

The most popular simulator as seen with the lengthy queues was that of the virtual experiences set up for the light combat aircraft, Tejas, which had also dominated the displays and air shows.

Learning about design

Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) allowed visitors to try on immersive virtual reality through head mounts where visitors can see in 360 degrees how the LCA is designed in the computer (a rough 3D sketch of the major mechanical components) and also how the finished product looks. This is a good way to show visitors how the planning occurs before even a prototype is made. Through motion tracking and haptic force feedback system (which simulates a mechanics hand), we can even test if replacing a nut or bolt will become difficult, said Shiek Nagur from the ADA.

Swedish defence company Saab, which manufactures the fighter jet Gripen, allows visitors to get into the cockpit through their VR headset.

Nearby, a cockpit mock-up of Tejas allows visitors to sit on the pilots seat and attempt to take off and fly in the virtual world. Similarly, Lockheed Martin provided a few visitors the opportunity to take F-16, a single-engine supersonic multi-role fighter aircraft, for a spin through their cockpit simulator; while HAL too has put up the simulator for the advanced Hawk, allowing those privy to experience what it is like being a Surya Kiran trainer.

For pilots, the simulator for Saras, which will be revived after nearly a decade by the National Aerospace Laboratories, provides an opportunity to fly out of HAL Airport, circle around the airport and return.

Shooting and gliding

Apart from the flights, VR headsets are being used by HAL to allow visitors to experience skydiving and paragliding. The skydiving simulators sees visitors strapped to a rotating device, with the headset projecting an experience similar to that of a free fall. Similarly, for paragliding, the visitor is strapped to a moving bed, VR headset projects the view of gliding through snow-capped valleys, and fans simulate winds.

Swedish company Saab has set up a virtual shooting zone the ground combat indoor trainer where various rifles and guns can be used in a simulated combat. Similarly, an immersive experience was set up by BEL, where a darkroom provides an opportunity to test their night-vision goggles.

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When reality disappoints, virtual reality takes over - The Hindu