Loft Dynamics Brings VR Training to eVTOL Aircraft

Loft Dynamics is expanding beyond helicopters to include electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft simulators. According the company, as the first and only virtual reality (VR) simulator with major regulatory approval, it is now leveraging its technology to develop its first VR eVTOL simulator for Dufour Aerospace, an eVTOL flight technology provider. Both companies unveiled the partnership at Loft Dynamics’ inaugural event, Loft Fest, which brings together the global aviation community. They shared that the Aero3 VR eVTOL simulator is currently in development and scheduled to enter the market in early 2025.

“Our partnership with Dufour Aerospace represents a big stride forward in training a wider range of pilots at a time when operators need it most. It also lays groundwork for the eventual certification of our eVTOL simulator,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “We started with helicopters, which are extremely challenging to simulate — the physics, motion, and human factors are more complex than in all other aircraft. This is why proving and qualifying our technology in the helicopter market, even beyond what’s mandated at the regulatory level, offers a significant advantage as we move into eVTOLs. Our 360-degree, 3D view — as well as highly detailed terrain and cityscape models and realistic ground effects — make our technology transferrable and incredibly valuable to eVTOLs. We’re thrilled to finally bring this vision to life with Dufour, a company at the leading edge of efficient and sustainable advanced air mobility technology.”

Dufour Aerospace’s tilt-wing Aero3 eVTOL is designed to offer the versatility of a helicopter with the efficiency and speed of an airplane. The company believes the Aero3 will be an ideal aircraft for emergency medical services which require the ability to land in all types of environments and get patients to the nearest hospitals as quickly as possible. It will also serve as an effective low-cost alternative for operators in urban, regional, and private transportation markets — from air taxi services to VIP transport and deliveries.

“The VR approach is undoubtedly superior among extended reality training solutions and is critical as we develop a man-machine interface for the Aero3,” said Dufour founder and CEO Thomas Pfammatter. “It allows pilots to integrate new concepts quickly and effectively, including tilt-wing operation and fountain lift and suckdown ground effects at low to zero speeds. Most importantly, it enables our pilots to gain experience in a safe and hyper-realistic environment. This will generate invaluable data as we develop the aircraft.”