NASA researchers have unveiled an innovative virtual reality (VR) flight simulator designed to revolutionize the future of air taxi passenger experiences. This cutting-edge tool aims to collect valuable data that will contribute to the development of more comfortable and enjoyable aircraft designed specifically for air taxi services.
Test pilot Wayne Ringelberg, based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, recently completed tests using the new simulator. His valuable feedback will guide further adjustments and improvements before he begins the first official research study involving other users this year.
Unlike conventional flight training simulators, this unique VR simulator leverages the expertise of NASA’s research and test flight crew, particularly those with vertical lift experience, to validate its safety and accuracy. Through a series of experiments conducted with the simulator, the advanced air mobility community will gain vital insights into the acceptability of the motions that might be experienced when flying in these aircraft.
During the simulated ride, Ringelberg was secured in a seat mounted on a platform equipped with a VR headset and headphones. The virtual journey began with a thrilling takeoff from a vertiport concept situated on top of a parking garage in downtown San Francisco. The immersive experience then took him through the bustling cityscape, eventually landing at another vertiport located on a towering skyscraper. Throughout the ride, Ringelberg carefully assessed the authenticity of the simulation’s visual, motion, and audio cues, providing crucial feedback to the research team.
With pilot checks successfully completed, NASA researchers are preparing to embark on a series of human subjects research studies over the next four years. These studies aim to obtain comprehensive information on the factors that contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable air taxi experience for passengers. This state-of-the-art simulator is housed in NASA Armstrong’s VR Passenger Ride Quality Lab, combining stunning VR visuals, physical motion cues, and spatialized rotor sounds to create a truly immersive and realistic environment.
Managed under the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology project within NASA’s Advanced Aerial Vehicles Program, this pioneering initiative fully supports NASA’s mission to develop electric air taxis and drones, ultimately fostering the advancement of mobility technologies. advanced air.
