Partnership to Deliver Next-Gen XR Pilot Training

Leonardo and Varjo are working together to deliver mixed reality training, enabling pilots to train using physical avionic controls within simulations replicating real-life conditions By Sarah Simpson / 10 Mar 2023

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Partnership to Deliver Next-Gen XR Pilot Training Solutions
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Leonardo and Varjo are joining forces to enhance the capability of Leonardo’s aircraft training devices through industry-leading mixed reality technology from Varjo.

Starting from Varjo’s latest XR-3 Focal Edition headset, first utilized by Leonardo’s Smart Chair for training scenarios of future-generation aircraft, the agreement will see Leonardo develop next-generation immersive training solutions that leverage best-in-class Varjo headsets for multiple use cases across the pilot training curriculum.

Leonardo and Varjo will work in close partnership to drive innovation and develop solutions that meet the rigorous demands of Leonardo’s customers.

“The development of our next-generation training solutions with Varjo is based on specific requirements which will be key factors in competitiveness and will make it possible to improve the performance of our products, with a direct return on the market offer,” said Giuseppe Pietroniro, Head of Simulation and Training Systems at Leonardo Aircraft Division.

“Leonardo Simulation & Training experience, coupled with advanced Varjo technology, will allow our products to increase pilots’ training experience, bringing it into a more immersive environment,” added Giuseppe Pietroniro, “both within the specific Customer training pipelines and within the scope of International Flight Training School, granting the continuous technological innovation rate offered by the Campus.”

Leonardo and Varjo working together to deliver mixed reality training

The current procedural training device is based on a multi-touch screen and Visual Display System for simulators, both of which will be replaced by Varjo’s mixed reality headsets.

“We are proud to partner with Leonardo in developing and deploying truly immersive solutions for even the most demanding flight training customers. With the superior visual precision enabled by the new Varjo XR-3 Focal Edition, trainees can be engaged in mixed reality training that replicates real-life conditions by operating physical avionics, controls, and dashboards while flying in a fully virtual environment. We will continue working closely with Leonardo in developing best-in-class XR solutions for future pilot training,” said Joachim Dekker, VP of Sales, EMEA and APAC, at Varjo.

Leonardo is already introducing these new technologies within its devices and this agreement continues to strengthen and improve Leonardo’s capabilities in the Simulation and Training domain.

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Posted by Sarah Simpson Edited by Sarah Simpson, Content Manager with a passion for research and creating digital copy with a focus on new technology. Connect & Contact

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