Photo: Abertay University

Abertay helps cadets ‘VR-n’ their wings

Abertay University has partnered with the 1232 (City of Dundee) Squadron Air Training Corps to launch an innovative Virtual Reality

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Abertay University has partnered with the 1232 (City of Dundee) Squadron Air Training Corps to launch an innovative Virtual Reality (VR) flight training program for local air cadets.

The collaboration, announced on January 22, 2025, aims to enhance the cadets’ aviation skills using cutting-edge technology.

The program utilises VR headsets and advanced equipment to simulate realistic flight experiences.

Using two mock cockpits set-up on campus, with one linked up to the studio’s LED screen and another to a VR headset, the cadets can use the immersive technology as flight simulators, a vital learning tool for air cadets, introducing them to the principles of aircraft, flight, airfields and procedures. 

Cadets can practice various manoeuvres including turns around a point, S-turns, and rectangular courses, in a virtual environment that closely mimics real-world conditions.

Col. John Garver, director of operations and analysis at a similar program implemented by the U.S. Air Force Academy, highlighted the benefits of such technology. He commented:

“We want to inspire cadets to go into rated careers by eliminating situations where cadets are interested in rated operations, but have limited opportunities to try them out.”

The VR system is expected to significantly enhance the cadets’ preparedness for actual flight training. Capt. Bryan Rhoades, a flight commander experienced with VR training, noted: “It’s the difference between training a cadet who is a blank slate and cadets who would appear to have a flight or two already under their belt.”

There has been an increasing interest in the various uses of VR technology recently. For instance, earlier this month, the £5.6 million Museums in the Metaverse initiative – located at the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre – demonstrated significant public excitement for utilising VR and extended reality technology to experience museum collections.

At the same time, the application of VR technology for training is also being investigated in other areas, with Meta launching a beta program in November in collaboration with numerous educational institutions across the US and UK, including the University of Glasgow, to provide interactive and captivating content via a virtual reality learning platform.

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