Vrgineers XTAL 3 is Pilot-Dedicated

Vrgineers (Prague, Czechia) has launched its XTAL 3 VR and MR headset. The newest XTAL was designed to bolster virtual reality simulations and pave the way for the next generation of mixed-reality pilot trainers.

XTAL 3 offers an extended field of view (180° horizontal and 90° vertical) and 8K resolution (a combination of two 4K resolution displays and a pair of 4K mixed reality cameras). The mixed-reality version of the headset allows pilots to see their hands and interact with instrument panels, learn proper motor skills, and practice standard procedures. The XTAL 3 currently supports Vrgineers’ proprietary inside-out tracking, Optitrack, ART Tracking and Vicon with plans to integrate Lighthouse tracking later this year.

Vrgineers CEO and co-founder Marek Polcak told CAT the initial XTAL 3s will be delivered to the US Navy and US Air Force to support current contract commitments. “New customers placing orders for the XTAL 3 can expect a 2-3 month delivery time as we process pre-orders on the books,” the executive added.

Asked about the cost of the new XTAL 3 headset, Polcak initially responded that the gear is part of the company’s reconfigurable pilot trainer, which has found favor in the military market. “The XTAL 3 is part of our COTS solution for the simulator, which remains portable, and still capable to be packed in a case for easy transport. The cost of the reconfigurable simulator remains about US$60,000 – this is important as we’re lowering the cost of overall training.”

Vrgineers calls the XTAL 3 the ‘pilot-dedicated’ headset on the market.