Expanded Field Of Vision, Enhanced Luminance And Accurate Visual Displays

FlyThisSim introduced the TouchTrainer FM 210 at EAA AirVenture 2015 in Oshkosh. The TouchTrainer FM 210 is the first of floor-mounted TouchTrainer with ergonomic, versatile, and reconfigurable cockpit and side-by-side seating. The system provides a 210 degree horizontal by 70 degree ‘Visual Motion’ field of view system with outstanding brightness and resolution.

“The first day of the show was an outstanding success," said Carl Suttle, Joint CEO of FlyThisSim, “ and the response to the FM 210 was outstanding. Though it hadn't been formally unveiled, the unit, with its impressive visual array caused several people to comment about how they were feeling movement without a motion system, even when inside simulated clouds. They also found the system very easy to fly and land, especially in the latter stages of the flare and hold off."

As usual for FlyThisSIm, the system is very complete, requiring no additional options to be an effective training device. The standard package includes a 2 place intercom, web camera monitoring, power for PC laptops and iPads, a connection to ForeFlight, a connection to Pilot Edge, dual controls and a 12 month warranty, support and navigation data.

The TouchTrainer FM 210 is priced at $30,000. It features a number of enhancements when compared to previous FlyThisSim Touch Trainers. Virtually all of the components and physical implementation techniques are new. "We invested in vacuum plastic molds for the cockpit that allow us to produce cockpits that are much lower cost, more durable and attractive than similar cockpits fabricated from fiberglass or metal," Suttle explained. "The cockpit is reconfigurable between single or dual seat, center console, single engine or twin aircraft, yoke or side-stick, vernier or lever throttles. This is a cockpit that is entered from the side, not the rear like most GA simulators.

The cockpit electrical and computing design is based on FlyThiSim's successful TouchTrainer desktop systems with a number of additions, including:

• Twin aviation headset with side-tone;
• Twin webcams for remote student monitoring;
• Dual controls to allow instructor demonstration;
• Bose audio system to add auxiliary flight cues; and
• USB and mains power convenience facilities for iPads and laptops.

The new 210/70 degree visual system is designed to enhance the learning environment for landing, takeoff and other skills. The system provides a vertical field of view with correct aspect visual flow and motion cues, a 1:1 horizontal/vertical visual scaling, the depiction of 3D objects around the airfield with realistic depth perception, and bright displays which allow the eye to open up and which require high resolution displays for accurate presentation. In addition, it makes possible very realistic lighting and weather simulation and visual motion cues, even when in the clouds--without an expensive motion system.

The FAA has provided special authorization for TouchTrainers to use touchscreens. It applies only to BATDs. Though FlyThisSim's software and simulator functionality easily exceeds FAA AATD requirements and have the capability to add physical controls, the company's focus on touchscreens allow it to focus on much more flexible, higher fidelity simulators at lower cost.

FMI: www.flythissim.com