One of the world’s safest and most dependable sources of transportation during the past few decades is undoubtedly flight. In order to satisfy the expectations of the increasing number of contemporary passengers, the sector has experienced continuous technological developments. The digital wave has significantly changed a variety of industries, including aviation. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) identified a number of technologies, including robotics and automation, blockchain, virtual reality, augmented reality, web 3.0, 5G, edge computing, metaverse, and big data, among others, that will fundamentally alter flying in its most recent report, “Future of the Airline Industry 2035.“
AR, VR, and the metaverse will assume a major part in the preparation and support of the flight business, as per IATA. These innovations can be utilized to make a computerized twin of an actual space, which then, at that point, permits learners to get a “close to-genuine feel of the climate.”
Speaking especially about augmented reality, virtual reality, and the metaverse, there are now many applications for these technologies in the aviation sector, but their significance for aviation training and maintenance has not received enough attention. The complicated environments of an aeroplane or an airport can be brought to life with the aid of augmented reality and virtual reality technology, which can be applied to various training scenarios in the aviation sector. The trainee pilots can be placed into a variety of scenarios and conditions using VR, which will help them learn by giving them a close-to-real-life experience of the surroundings.
For instance, Boeing has been outfitting real aeroplane cockpits with movie displays to simulate actual flight. Without actually stepping inside an aeroplane, new crew can learn about it and its equipment. For ground handling and ground service operator training, AR, VR, and metaverse can also be used to bring the complex airport environment to life. In summary, using VR, AR, and the metaverse in training can result in excellent results with relatively little time and effort.
The potential risks of flying are also being identified and addressed using AR and VR. The engineering team can use these technologies to identify any flaws or hiccups in the aircraft and learn how to correct them for maintenance, repairs, and operations as well. The aviation sector can greatly benefit from these technologies in terms of safety as they provide cutting-edge solutions like 3D scanning, sensors, etc. along with real-time insights to be used when inspecting an aircraft. More significant is the accuracy that can be guaranteed; thanks to the clear images of the aircraft provided by AR technology, the engineering team can examine even the smallest dings and scratches.
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Aside from some of these use scenarios, the Metaverse, AR, and VR have a tonne of potential in the field of virtual tourism, which has the ability to dramatically enhance the immersive customer experience. Imagine being able to share an experience on social media while offering a tour of a remote location using a “digital avatar,” taking photos, shopping, etc. Our imaginations are the only boundaries for metaverse / AR/VR applications in aerospace.
In summary, innovations like Extended Reality ‘XR’ (AR, VR, Mixed Reality), and Metaverse are revolutionising the aviation sector. They may give the aviation sector a significantly safer workplace in which to study, do maintenance, and support many other opportunities. They also improve customer experience, are cost-effective, allow little opportunity for error, save time. It is anticipated that the majority of ambitious airlines will quickly implement these techniques in order to stay on the cutting edge.
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Virtual Reality in Aviation Maintenance
The most technologically advanced sector of transportation, aviation is now crucial to the economy. Nonetheless, safe operations are always important because aircraft accidents can result in significant damage. As a result, advancements in inspection and maintenance technologies are closely tied to those in the aviation sector. As a result, it’s essential to equip workers for inspection and maintenance training with the proper tools, and training techniques must be enhanced in light of the rapid advancement of science and technology. Unfortunately, training with suitable facilities comes at a considerable expense and with strict safety requirements. Also, a diversity of engines for diverse aircraft necessitate even greater training expenditures. Thus, it is crucial to develop a fresh strategy to supplement and advance the current training techniques.
One of the dominant technologies in the period of Industrial Revolution 4.0 is virtual reality (VR). Immersion, interactivity, and imagination are three crucial components of virtual reality (VR), a cutting-edge technology that enables experiences in a virtual and three-dimensional environment . VR has been extensively used recently in the realms of medicine, the military, culture, tourism, and academic research. VR applications are utilised in the design and manufacturing industries for inspection and maintenance as well as for leisure and education.
For the purpose of training future aviation professionals, we created an aeroplane maintenance virtual reality (AMVR) system and assessed its efficacy in this study. We produced three scenarios of inspection and maintenance, focusing on the inspection of the aircraft fuel system of the Dornier-228 aircraft. These scenarios included a walk-around inspection and the disassembling and reassembly of the aircraft’s horizontal stabiliser. The created method offers a productive technique to train pupils that is both more affordable and efficient.
The use of VR in the aviation business is also advantageous. VR provides safer and more effective testing, training, and flight experiences, from manufacturing and pilot training to flight experiences. Also, through training, the immersive nature of VR is employed to lower the possibility of mishaps. Thus, the aviation sector places a high value on the integration of VR into various processes and systems. The training of pilots and crew members is the most widely used VR application in the aviation sector. Even at home, flight simulators are a common tool. For teaching purposes, businesses like Boeing have made cockpits for aircraft that are similar to the actual ones.
Three alternative scenarios were created for an aviation maintenance virtual reality (AMVR) system [15]: a walk-around inspection, fuel system observation, and Dornier 228 horizontal stabiliser maintenance. The aircraft AMVR system was created with VR technology, which has the training effect to increase maintenance accuracy and can also record the quantity of operation errors, which is essential for directing the operator to avoid mistakes. These statistical findings can be used to enhance maintenance practises and lessen manual operating errors. Also, it can enhance the designs of products and components as well as flight safety.
The Findings and Discussion – Design of the Virtual Reality System
The fuel system of the Dornier 228 was modelled in 3D using CATIA V5 software, as seen in Figure 3. The fuel system and the horizontal elevator were built for thorough inspection. After altering the file type to *.fbx, the 3D model is imported into the Unity 3D programme. The whole AMVR system was then designed using the preselected software development kits that had been loaded. After the design was complete, the AMVR system was assessed to determine whether the requirements had been met or whether any adjustments were necessary.
Figure 3. 3D modeling: (a) 3D model of the Dornier 228; (b) The components use to connect fuselage with horizontal stabilizer; (c) 3D model of the Dornier 228′s fuel system.
Figure 4. Walk-around inspection screen.
Figure 5. Fuel system observation scene. The green arrow indicates parts location of fuel system.
Figure 6. Maintenance scene of horizontal stabilizer.
Figure 7. Two different UI object in the VR training system.
The preflight check, subsequent flight check, and daily check were all part of the walk-around inspection. Maintenance workers carried out each and every one of the necessary maintenance checks in accordance with maintenance procedures. Tiny screens were created to help pupils thoroughly examine and comprehend the operation of various components. An inspection of the plane’s wings, fuselage, propellers, and power source was done. Students completed a checklist during the walk-around inspection by adhering to the inspection process and following the guidelines on the display.
Students could investigate the fuel system using HMDs thanks to the schematic diagram, position, and number of components being displayed as pictures and 3D models.
A user interface object called “Hint” was utilised in all three scenes to provide instructions on how to operate and become comfortable with the controllers. Figure 7 illustrates how to switch between training scenes or leave the VR training system using the other UI component called “Switch Scene”.
Also Read: https://futurefrog.net/ar-vr/company-supports-future-of-vr-ar/