Varjo shows fighter jet simulator with mixed reality cockpit

The flight simulator is a cockpit replica of the Boeing F/A-18C/E fighter jet and has the Varjo XR-4 mixed reality headset integrated.

The cockpit largely corresponds to the original in terms of dimensions and ergonomics and includes controls such as HOTAS, multifunction displays, pedals and a specially manufactured ejection seat. Panels, switches and displays were developed in-house; only the HOTAS unit is a purchased part. Buttons and switches provide the appropriate haptic resistance. Vibration elements integrated into the seat simulate, among other things, landing gear extension, stall and weapon release.

Since G-forces cannot be simulated, the simulator relies on vibration pads and force feedback on the joystick. A motion platform is missing in the current version.

On the software side, the simulation solution Mission Combat Simulator (MCS) is used, but the hardware is also compatible with other solutions.

Real cockpit, virtual environment

The Varjo XR-4 MR headset is tailored to the cockpit and enables the simulated environment to be superimposed on the physical hardware with millimeter precision: pilots see and operate the real instruments, while the outside world is virtual.

Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt

Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier eine Vimeo-Video (Vimeo LLC) geladen.

Vimeo-Video immer laden Vimeo-Video jetzt laden

Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (Vimeo LLC) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.

Alongside the Pimax Crystal Super, the Varjo XR-4, which costs 6,000 euros, is currently one of the highest-resolution PC VR headsets. It offers 3,840 × 3,744 pixels per eye and a pixel density of 51 PPD in the image center. For comparison: Apple Vision Pro has 3,660 × 3,200 pixels and 34 PPD, while the Meta Quest 3 has 2,064 × 2,208 pixels and 25 PPD. The pass-through of the Varjo XR-4 has a significantly lower pixel density than the virtual environment, which can be clearly seen in the video.

The simulator was not manufactured by Varjo itself, but by the Czech manufacturer Dogfight Boss, which supplies equipment for military programs, aerospace research laboratories and flight academies.

In the field of high-end VR, Varjo has competition from two other European companies: Somnium Space and Vrgineers. In addition to the MR headsets in the XTAL series, the latter also manufactures its own flight simulators.

(mki)