Leonardo brought its full-scale Virtual and Extended Reality Simulator (VxR) to Heli-Expo 2024 and is offering demonstration flights this week during the show. The VxR simulator, configured as an IFR AW119Kx, includes a motion base attached to the cockpit and an instructor station.

The simulator’s motion base is a six-degrees-of-freedom short-throw device, which is possible because it doesn’t need larger actuators to support a visual system dome. This also means that it occupies less space. By wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset, the trainee can interact with the simulator’s real controls, knobs, and buttons while seeing the outside view superimposed inside the headset.

Capable of replicating VFR and IFR helicopters, the VxR is designed to meet FAA flight training device level 6 and 7 qualifications. Initial FAA certification is planned for this year, with EASA qualification to follow in 2025. Two VxR simulators have been completed and will be placed at Leonardo’s training academies in Sesto Calende, Italy, and in the U.S. in Philadelphia.

Leonardo can reconfigure the simulator to replicate the AW09, AW119, and AW109 helicopters using previously qualified level-D full-flight simulator flight dynamics and performance data, as well as cockpit components. The helicopter manufacturer is also making the VxR simulators available to helicopter industry clients.