First Barco mini-dome simulator for Eurofighter Typhoon operational with Royal Air Force
The first Typhoon Emulated Deployable Cockpit Trainer (EDCT) has been handed over to the RAF’s 29 Squadron Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) at the RAF Coningsby Typhoon Training Facility. Later this year, visualization specialist Barco will deliver a second five-channel high-resolution mini-dome simulator. The SEER mini-domes, with a radius of 1.5 m, are compact and relocatable and provide full immersion with constant eye relief over the entirely spherical surface to enable effective training of fast jet pilots.
The EDCT, procured as part of the Eurofighter Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids (ASTA) programme, was conceived as a low-cost deployable device to enable pilots to practise and maintain currency whilst on operational deployment. In addition, the fidelity of the device has proven to be sufficient to support initial pilot training within the OCU at RAF Coningsby.Development and production of the EDCT has now been achieved in just 12 months by an industry team led by BAE SYSTEMS, with its key suppliers Barco for the mini-dome simulator and EDM for the cockpit, working in close coordination with Defence Procurement Agency and RAF representatives. Barco was successful in reaching this short deadline thanks to the technical excellence of its engineers using SimCAD design software to optimize projector placement to best cover a Horizontal Field Of View of 220 degrees (-110: +110) and a Vertical Field Of View of 140 degrees (–50: +90) while negating distracting shadows from the cockpit structure.
Using the dedicated test patterns within this system allowed to perfectly integrate the five 1600x1200 resolution SIM6 Ultra II projectors featuring optical and electronic blend technology with the SIM5 plus as a Head-Up Display projector. As a permanent maintenance tool, Barco’s xRACU multi-system Remote Alignment and Control Unit enables maintenance staff to operate, calibrate, configure and diagnose the multiple projector set up from a single hand-held controller while the Laser Diode Array Tool (LDAT) assists in maintaining alignment of all the display channels.
In accepting the device, Officer Commanding, Typhoon Training Facility at RAF Coningsby, Sqn Ldr 'Foxy' Gregory, praised the excellent visual performance and cockpit fidelity of the device as well as the commitment of all concerned in delivering the simulator in such a short time-scale.
The final product has met the demanding requirements of the RAF for effective and realistic training. A second deployable simulator will be delivered later this year, which will enable the networking of both simulators such that trainee and instructor can 'fly' as leader and wingman for even more immersive training".
About Barco
Barco, an international company headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, provides visualization and display solutions for professional markets. Barco designs and develops solutions for large screen visualization, display solutions for life-critical applications, and systems for visual inspection. Barco is active worldwide and has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco is quoted on Euronext Brussels and is a BEL 20 and a Next 150 company (Euronext: BAR; Reuters: BARBt.BR; Bloomberg: BAR BB).
