Pennant Training Systems Limited (Pennant), in partnership with virtual reality specialists Maelstrom, have produced and installed an eight-user immersive (headset-based) virtual reality parachute training system at the Parachute Training School (PTS), RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, UK.
Consisting of eight (8) student stations and an instructor’s console the VRPT provides a virtual reality environment that immerses the student in a virtual world where a parachute descent is simulated. VRPT allows the students to practice their parachuting skills in a variety of parachutes and rehearse malfunction procedures in a safe but realistic virtual environment. The experience is further enhanced with the addition of physical movement, applied to the user as a result of the toggle movements made during the descent.
From a dedicated control console the instructor can deploy students as individuals or in sticks of up to 8 within the same, shared, environment. Variable times of day as well as variable weather conditions are also selectable. The instructor can alter the despatch altitude, aircraft speed, heading, and bearing relative to the drop zone, he can also alter wind speed and direction, both at deployment altitude and at surface level.
For more information and articles from the press, please click on the following links:
BBC News: Hi-tech parachute training for troops at RAF base
British Forces News: Star Trek science brings giant leap to forces parachute training
Daily Mail: Troops set to take virtual plunge: MoD launches £500,000 parachute jump simulator
Ministry of Defence: Parachute troops leap into new virtual world
Royal Air Force: Parachute Virtual World
British Army: Paratroopers leap into new virtual world
Vodpod.com: Video: virtual reality parachute jump
