Varjo, a supplier of high-end virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR) solutions and software, has today revealed that its advancements have enabled the first mixed reality flight simulation training device (FSTD) to meet European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.
Built by the Swiss company BRUNNER Elektronik AG, the NOVASIM MR DA-42 simulator has secured Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer II (FNPT II) qualification, implemented by Lufthansa Aviation Training. It replicates the Diamond DA42 aircraft, which is extensively utilized in civil aviation instruction.
At the heart of the simulator is Varjo’s XR-4 Focal Edition headset, providing a photorealistic mixed reality cockpit experience that integrates virtual and real-world components at human-eye resolution. Varjo stated that the headset’s visual clarity was vital in meeting EASA’s stringent special condition criteria.
Varjo highlighted that this certification signifies Europe’s first official acknowledgment of mixed reality-based training for civilian pilot flight hours, establishing a significant precedent in aviation instruction.
“This is a pivotal achievement not just for Varjo and Brunner, but for the future of pilot training in civil aviation,” remarked Tristan Cotter, Global Head of Defense & Aerospace at Varjo. “With this certification, mixed reality transitions from an aspirational idea to a validated, scalable, and economical solution that is prepared to address the operational needs of the current industry.”
Offering dynamic scene rendering and instantaneous responses to pilot inputs via standard physical controls, the Varjo-enhanced simulator provides a greatly improved training experience when compared to traditional FNPT II systems, according to Varjo. Integrated eye-tracking additionally captures the trainees’ visual focus during critical scenarios, facilitating detailed feedback from instructors on decision-making and situational awareness.
Roger Klingler, CEO of BRUNNER Elektronik AG, commented: “We are honored to spearhead the transformation of aviation training by securing the first EASA qualification for a mixed reality simulator. With the NOVASIM MR DA42, we have fused precise Swiss engineering with cutting-edge XR technology to create a simulator that meets exhaustive regulatory criteria while offering unmatched realism and versatility for pilot education.”
Manuel Meier, CEO at Lufthansa Aviation Training, stated: “We have been supportive of this groundbreaking initiative from the outset – lending our knowledge to the qualification process as well as the technical enhancement of the mixed reality simulator.”
Varjo pointed out that in light of global pilot shortages and the ongoing need to innovate training practices, this newest EASA qualification may accelerate the uptake of XR technologies and pave the way for additional regulatory approvals.
