Downtown Lab

In the Downtown branch, we deal with various mixed reality technologies, flight simulators along with researches in Human-Machine Interface (HMI), Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) and aircraft cabin interiors.

Here, we do multiple development works in Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies. Our vision is to explore and implement applications of these technologies in aerospace applications such as virtual prototyping, pilot training, flight information display, maintenance and assembly training and animations. We are currently using Microsoft HoloLens 1 for our AR system. Likewise, we also currently have five different VR systems including Pimax 5K+, Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, and Oculus Rift DK2.

This branch also houses three of our flight simulators. The first simulator is a two-pilots 2-DOF motion simulator allowing non-bounded pitch and roll rotations. Likewise, the second simulator is another two-pilots fixed-base simulator equipped with six touchscreen monitors for Flight Management System (FMS), Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS), and Overhead Panel, three large screen monitors for immersive Out-The-Window (OTW) view, rudder pedals, throttle stick and two 2-DOF sidestick controllers. A third simulator uses an 86-inches multi-touchscreen display along with a 3-DOF joystick and a throttle stick for another enhanced and immersive flight simulation. This simulator is often used to test for AR-based flight information displays such as EFIS and HUD.

For student research, the lab is equipped with about 10 highly powerful computers with each station designated for different research practices and presentations. Some of these stations are strictly dedicated for AR and VR development while some are dedicated for flight simulation and HMI development. Likewise, the other systems are used for more extensive activities.

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