Simulator Visual System Receives Major Upgrade

3D perception (3DP) has delivered a visual display system upgrade for Saab’s Presentation and Maneuvering Simulator (PM-SIM), integrating Barco projection hardware with 3DP’s automated calibration and display management technologies. The PM-SIM supports aircraft development, including prototyping of aircraft functions, human-machine interface design, and flight control system validation. The simulator is housed in a 3-meter radius dome providing a field of regard of ±135° horizontally and +120°/−45° vertically. 

The upgrade replaces legacy LCoS projectors with ten Barco F400-N4K solid-state laser-phosphor projectors delivering native 4K resolution and supporting future pixel-shift to 8K at 240Hz. The system is configured to provide consistent visual performance across varying lighting conditions, including daylight, dusk, and night scenes.

Instead of replacing the dome structure, the existing screen was retrofitted with 3DP’s WarpSync sensor technology for automated image alignment. The projection surface was re-coated to improve contrast, reduce visual artifacts, and extend operational service life.

The system uses the 3DP Northstar platform for display processing, image optimization, and automated calibration, supported by nControl software for centralized management and WarpSync sensors for alignment consistency. Eclipse hybrid blending combines optical and electronic blending to manage transitions between lighting conditions and maintain uniform image presentation.

“This upgrade takes our simulation environments to a new level of realism and flexibility, helping us accelerate development and give our pilots and engineers highly effective tools,” said Therese Lindvall, Technical Lead for Gripen’s Visual Display Systems at Saab. “The advanced projection alignment and calibration technologies from 3DP will enable us to deliver more immersive and accurate training experiences for our pilots and engineers.”