Loft Dynamics “Delivers Industry-Leading Virtual Reality Flight Simulation Technology for eVTOL Aircraft”
Loft Dynamics, a leader in virtual reality (VR) flight simulation technology, recently announced its expansion beyond helicopters to include eVTOL aircraft simulators, reports a press release.
As the first and only VR simulator with major regulatory approval, the company is using its technology to develop a VR eVTOL simulator for Dufour Aerospace. Both companies unveiled this collaboration at Loft Dynamics’ inaugural event, “Loft Fest”, which brings together the global aviation community. The partners stated the Aero3 VR eVTOL simulator is currently in development and scheduled to enter the market in early 2025.
Loft Dynamics’ expansion comes at an important time in the eVTOL industry. urban congestion and environmental concerns are accelerating global demand for eVTOL aircraft as well as a demand for eVTOL pilots. The industry’s capacity to effectively train and scale a new, specialised pilot workforce will be stretched by the increasing pilot shortage. The need for VR simulators to improve access to the safest and highest quality eVTOL training has never been greater.
Fabi Riesen, Founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics, commented, “Our collaboration with Dufour represents a big stride forward in training a wider range of pilots at a time when operators need it most. It also lays groundwork for the eventual certification of our eVTOL simulator.”
He continued, “We began with helicopters, which are extremely challenging to simulate as the physics, motion and human factors are more complex than in other aircraft. This offers a significant advantage as we turn to eVTOLs. Our 360-degree, 3D view, as well as highly detailed terrain and cityscape models and realistic ground effects, make our technology transferrable and very valuable.”
VR Flight Simulator
The release explains, “Dufour Aerospace’s tilt-wing Aero3 eVTOL is designed to offer the versatility of a helicopter with the efficiency and speed of an airplane. The Aero3 will be an ideal aircraft for emergency medical services which require the ability to land in all types of environments and get patients to the nearest hospitals as quickly as possible. It will also serve as an effective low-cost alternative for operators in urban, regional, and private transportation markets from air taxi services to VIP transport and deliveries.”
Thomas Pfammatter, Dufour Founder and CEO is an Air Zermatt helicopter rescue pilot who has flown over 4,500 missions. He has extensive experience with the Loft Dynamics VR flight simulation training device which he describes as “by far the most realistic simulator I have ever flown.” As Dufour develops the Aero3, Pfammatter believes Loft’s simulator technology will allow the company to create a pilot interface with “unprecedented speed and cost efficiency.”
He explained, “The VR approach is undoubtedly superior among extended reality training solutions and is critical as we develop a man-machine interface for the Aero3. It allows pilots to integrate new concepts quickly and effectively, including tilt-wing operation and fountain lift and suckdown ground effects at low to zero speeds.”
Pfammatter added, “Most importantly, it enables our pilots to gain experience in a safe and hyper-realistic environment. This will generate invaluable data as we develop the aircraft.”
For more information
(Top image: Jasmine Kent, CTO at Dufour Aerospace, Fabian Riesen and Thomas Pfammatter)
For the latest news, insights and content regarding the global Advanced Air Mobility market, please join the following eVTOL Insights channels: WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, X and LinkedIn.
