Cirrus launches AR flying app with Apple Vision Pro to inspire non-pilots to fly
Cirrus Aircraft has launched a new augmented reality (AR) app for Apple Vision Pro that allows users to experience an immersive demonstration flight aboard one of its aircraft.
The new app, called Let’s Go Fly!, uses 180-degree video and spatial audio to put users inside a Cirrus SR22T during a virtual flight over the United States.
Users can also interact with full-scale digital models of the company’s SR Series aircraft and Vision Jet through Apple’s AR, or mixed-reality, platform.
The decision to launch the app by Cirrus comes as aviation manufacturers and training providers increasingly turn to AR technology as a means of marketing aircraft, enhancing training and attracting new entrants into flying.
Cirrus aims to make flying possible, from your home
Immersive technology such as the Apple Vision Pro aims to make flying feel more accessible to people with no previous aviation experience.
Cirrus chief executive Zean Nielsen said the company sees immersive technology as a way of introducing more people to the idea of personal flight.
“Leveraging technology from industry leaders in innovation, Apple and Blackmagic Design, we designed a strong business application to drive interest in flight training and aircraft ownership,” he said.
Removing barriers to the flight deck
The aviation industry has experimented with virtual reality for years, particularly in flight simulation and pilot training.
A key change now is the quality of the product on offer, both from Apple and Cirrus.
Apple Vision Pro features ultra-high-resolution displays and advanced hand-tracking, which is enabling companies such as Cirrus, but also training providers including CAE, to create experiences that feel much closer to an authentic flight deck environment.
For non-pilots, gaining time in a cockpit is expensive and not always practical, whereas experiencing it using an AR headset removes at least some of those barriers – though the Apple Vision Pro costs more than £3,000.
However, the Cirrus app, which is a marketing tool for the company, is free.
X-Plane brings mixed reality flying to Apple Vision Pro
X-Plane 12 developer Laminar Research recently confirmed plans to bring its own simulator to Apple Vision Pro using NVIDIA CloudXR streaming technology.
The setup will allow users to stream the simulator from RTX-powered PCs directly into the headset while continuing to use physical flight-sim hardware such as yokes, throttle quadrants and rudder pedals.
According to the developers, Apple Vision Pro’s spatial tracking capabilities will allow physical cockpit hardware and virtual cockpit environments to blend together in mixed reality.
“The sim can reliably track cockpit positions, allowing you to seamlessly merge the physical and digital worlds,” the company said in a recent blog post.
CAE explores Apple Vision Pro for cockpit familiarisation
Cirrus and X-Plane are not alone in exploring spatial computing technology.
CAE is also developing Apple Vision Pro-based applications aimed at pilot training and cockpit familiarisation.
But unlike Cirrus’ non-technical experience, CAE’s work is targeted at professional pilots preparing for simulator sessions.
The company says its immersive training platform allows pilots to interact with virtual flight decks using natural hand movements and gesture controls.
The idea is to let crews practise cockpit flows, switch locations and procedures before entering full-flight simulators.
CAE says the technology can help pilots build muscle memory more efficiently while reducing the amount of time needed inside an expensive simulator.
The system includes guided procedural training, narrated cockpit workflows and interactive modes that allow pilots to familiarise themselves with aircraft systems remotely.
Featured image: Cirrus
