VRAI’s Immersive Flight Simulator Takes Off with Mindera

The challenge

VRAI creates data-driven virtual reality (VR) simulation training for high-hazard environments for major organisations. Its goal is to reduce risk and enable training in an authentic, memorable and measurable way.

When a customer asked for a real-time, VR multiuser flight simulator with biometrics, data capture, and the interoperability to communicate with simulators from other physical domains (sea and land), VRAI turned to software development partner Mindera to provide expert support. This included backend and frontend developers, game developers and technical artists.

The solution

Incorporating sophisticated hands on throttle-and-stick and joystick functionality, the flight simulator was built on HEAT, VRAI’s VR training platform with data capture and analytics capabilities. This allows user actions and biometrics to be collected and stored in a dashboard for future learning. It combines the power of VR and AI, which are incredibly effective for reducing risk to employees, as well as improving performance and reducing cost. The data gathered also helps deliver insights on performance using AI analytics.

The overall aesthetic for this project integrated many different elements from physics and aerodynamics to flight controls, terrain building and aircraft systems. Visual data representation from front-end features were presented in an appealing, engaging way.

Key software tools used included:

Unreal Engine 5 – Ideal for game development, creating VR experiences and other interactive and immersive projects, our developers use this tool to create highly realistic worlds that players can explore and interact with. Graphics are lifelike and sound effects really enhance the feel and user experience. A key feature is its capacity to handle vast amounts of data, making it perfect for this project.

.NET – This software development framework from Microsoft enables apps to be developed for Windows, macOS, Linux, and more. Our software developers team use it for a whole range of projects, from creating desktop software to web and mobile apps. It also supports multiple programming languages, which can be helpful for many business goals, especially in an ever-digitalised world.

Azure – Microsoft’s cloud computing platform allows businesses to build and manage apps and services in the cloud, which increases scalability and agility.

The result

With no legacy technology weighing the project down, the team had the opportunity to create a flight simulator that looked photo-realistic, featuring impressive graphics. “Using a bleeding-edge game engine, we took real-time simulation to the next level of realism,” said Mindera Technical Lead João Jacob.

Bringing the HEAT dashboard closer to seamless integration with VR, and improving its ability to receive, store and query the agnostic data needed, enabled the delivery of an intuitive, adaptive and responsive graphical representation.

“When you look at the product we delivered, you can immediately see how helpful it can be for the users,” said Mindera Product Owner Ciro Coelho. “VR’s potential is so evident that I can’t help but wonder how it could further improve this and countless other solutions. There’s a lot to be excited about!”

About VRAI

Creating cutting-edge data-driven VR simulation training for high-hazard environments, VRAI delivers invaluable work for government organisations across the globe.