Third Generation Projector Produces More Immersive Environment

CAE has introduced the third generation of its market-leading CAE Tropos-6000 simulation visual image generator (IG) for civil aviation training. The new IG provides a more immersive environment and an enhanced pilot training experience with new features leveraging the power of the latest NVIDIA commercial graphics processors.

Initial implementations for the new CAE Tropos-6000 platform include the first two A350 XWB full-flight simulators (FFSs) for Airbus, as well as updates to their A300, A330/340 and A380 simulators, plus upgrades to Air France A320, convertible A330/340 and A340 simulators.

"The CAE Tropos-6000 visual system has demonstrated great reliability, ease of use and maintainability with significant cost savings," said Serge Gourlaouen, Deputy Vice President at Air France. "Air France selected the first CAE Tropos-6000 visual in 2007 for its realism and performance, and we look forward to further improving the quality of training with three new-generation systems."

"Air France began training with our first CAE Tropos-6000 visual four years ago and is now expanding the system application onto three additional CAE and non-CAE simulators through a competitive upgrade package. The CAE Tropos-6000 was selected for its realism and performance, while allowing sharing of airport databases," said Jeff Roberts, CAE's Group President, Civil Simulation Products, Training and Services. "As a global simulation solutions leader, we are always working toward enhancing the effectiveness of pilot training by improving the fidelity and the immersive experience of the training environment."

Among the many features introduced or enhanced in the new CAE Tropos-6000:

• More realistic blowing snow and other taxiway contaminants.
• New 3D scattered and broken cloud patterns, storm fronts and haze.
• New water reflections and other special effects.

The CAE Tropos-6000 product family was launched in 2006; the second generation debuted in 2009. More than 100 systems have been fielded.

Based solely on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, the new image generator provides a seamless upgrade path for any currently fielded CAE-built FFS and can also be retrofitted to simulators manufactured by other vendors. The new CAE Tropos-6000 is fully compatible with the CAE True Airport service, which provides more than 200 up-to-date airport databases online via an Internet portal.

FMI: www.cae.com