VR Boeing 737 Next Gen Thrust Reverser opening procedure

The procedure of opening thrust reverser cowls in virtual reality is all about the realistic experience and accurate training of the extremely important part of the aircraft. This simulator has two modes. One of these modes has a full training programme with hints and the second one is focused on employee examination.

Project

The procedure of opening thrust reverser cowls in virtual reality is all about the realistic experience and accurate training of the extremely important part of the aircraft. This simulator has two modes. One of these modes has a full training programme with hints and the second one is focused on employee examination.
Target audience: aircraft maintenance and repair services (MRO), technical and service staff, students, employers.

This project was requested by aircraft maintenance and repair service. The main goal was to create a simulator that can train and examine maintenance workers when it comes to thrust reverser opening procedure.

The simulator is aimed towards aircraft maintenance workers. We have created a unique scenario based on the documentation provided. It has different modes for the most realistic and immersive training. Therefore, it can be used for training and examination of new employees, students and current workers.

Development time: 3 months
Engine:Unreal
Platform: PC + HTC Vive/HTC Vive Pro
Setting: Nowadays
Visual style: realism
Language: ENG
Age: 18+
Stage: finished

01- Research & Development

VR meets MRO

The project started by gathering all the information that was needed to create this simulator. We had to research the procedure in order to fully understand it. It was important to start the project by closely examining the main part of the simulator - the aircraft engine. We soon discovered that it is a difficult mechanism that consists of huge amount of wires and connections. It is crucial for the maintenance worker to know and follow all the steps of the procedure. Otherwise, the plain can be damaged which brings to an awful loss of money for the company. Moreover, incorrect task performance can lead to other technical difficulties that can occur during the actual flight. In order to exclude these mistakes, it was decided to create a training simulator that would teach employees how to perform the task correctly. After that, the user would be examined to see how well was the information received.

Recreation of the thrust reverser opening procedure started with modeling of the aircraft. It had to be accurately recreated so that the engine could be fitted. After the plane was done, we focused on the engine, its inner parts and mechanics. It was decided to pay the most attention to all the wires because of their importance in the process. Afterwards, a specious location was created for the user to get maximum immersion from the simulator. Our team has developed two scenarios regarding the thrust reverser cowls opening procedure. It is vital for a person to train in advance to perform this task. Our VR simulator guides the user through training, explaining the possible mistakes and their consequences. After that, a person can choose examination and repeat the procedure without any help. The simulator was created to present maximum information absorption to the trainee and make the educational process for this procedure safer.

03- Maintenance

Endless improvement

With some of the latest updates we are planning to make the simulator accessible for multiple users at the same time. It is a custom solution where workers will have an opportunity to train together and compete for better results. Moreover, a couple of new scenarios will be added to the simulator. The thrust reverser opening procedure is all about improvement and cost-effectiveness. This is a platform that is ready for new integrations to improve the quality of maintenance workers and make their training an exciting experience.