Dear all, we are happy to officially announce: the Shell Size M

As you might know the shell consists of a Shell Frame to which the various Lining Kit Elements are attached. The combination then results in a closed cockpit, which corresponds in its dimensions to an original cockpit. Many of our customers have a limitation in room size so we decided to design a closed cockpit that fits even in smaller rooms.

Dimensions 293 cm (width), 190 cm (depth), 180 cm (height)

In contrast to the Standard Shell, the Shell Size M ends after the side window. All other proportions also correspond to the original. Due to the shortened shell, the Aft Overhead Panel has to be dispensed with, but this has practically no effect in regular flight operations.

This version might also be a good alterantive if your room height is limited but you to not want to do without a 180 degree projection.

Here is the A320 Shell in Standard size for comparison:

We finally got an idea how to get the most out of the room dimensions. We combine a horseshoe projection area with very small diameter with ultra short throw projectors. We checked projector throw, space for working as well as view angles. In theory this should be the best possible solution.

BTW: I think it is a big advantage of the VIER IM POTT A320 simulator that there is no need for underfloor mechanics.

Hi all,

You have to recognize in time if you have lost. After lots of tests we have to admin, that projection on our room walls is not working as expected. 

First reason is limits in software. We simple did not find out how to calculate sharp edges with one projector. Second reason is that we did not find any projector position that is suitable (without digging a hole in the ground.)

It has been a great experience because we learned a lot. But for now we will head for a tight curved version to get the max out of this room.

We have two new friends: COS and TAN. It wasn't love at the first sight but finally we made friends

=($B11/COS($C11*(PI()/180)))*TAN(D$10*(PI()/180))

In theory these points should be the reference for the distortion-free projection. The tension increases. We are really excited if this will somehow work.

Calculation of coordinates for reference points

Simulation of front reference points at flat front looks promising:

Simulation of left and right side looks weired but remember we have some angles in the side walls

Nicola from Fly-Elise told us that our type of screen is not supported by Fly-Elise and therefore cannot be calculated by the program. For sure we don't blame this on the software. Our environment is indeed really tricky. To be honest - we did not expect that sort of trickyness.

Today we tried to do the first manual adjustments and quickly came to the conclusqion that this is a hopeless plan. So we went back to the desk and do some more theory.

We thought about the basic challenge. We think the major plan is to get the visual impression of a surround view on crazy angular walls. To start with a simply thought - we neglect the angled side walls try to project a round view on rectangular walls. To do so, we will need to calculate several positions of markers.

The sample below shows the different distance of markers on the wall based on this round view.

Today we had enough time to do great progress on our internal project.

We spent a lot of time finding the most suitable projectors for our very special room situation. It came out that Vivitek projectos with a throw ratio around 0.3 will do the job. At least in theory. We have been able to calculate the room in Fly-Elise but at the end a technicality made us change the plan. The projector data in Fly-Elise have been correct, but these projectors throw the light via a mirror as they are designed to generate a very wide view even if they are close to a wall.

So all angles had been wrong. The problem was easily to solve as we have a very high room cover. So we place projectors much higher which resulted in a really amazing full view. Actually better than we expected.

Now as we got the proof of concept we will need to do fine adjustments and then mark the projection area. We plan to paint the room in black/dark-grey color to avoid unwanted reflections so we need to define the max projection area. To be sure that everything will be properly adjusted we now will need for the computers before we can do further amendments to the room.

Admittedly. The picture looks a bit confusing. Due to the oblique walls, we do not want to fix the projectors on the ceiling, but on the side walls.For this we have thought of a combination of aluminum profiles and projector brackets. We'll see if it works like this.

Projectors have arrived. The excitement rises...

Now we import the projection area into Fly-Elise. Together with the 3D-model of our simulator we have the perfect workspace.

(Note: You can find our 3D-model in our Support Area in case you like to use it for your own calculation.)

We tried several types of projectors. Main issue even with short throw projectors was the necessary height for a proper positioning. We basically have enough space for a high positioning but due to the wall angles the picture will be quite flurry. So we needed to find projectors with an utltimate short throw.

We finally found a Vivitek DH758UST which looks good from a technical view. This projector is a bit more expensive than others but it has the advantage to be place right above the cockpit.

So we will order them and try it. While waiting we have enough to do with preparing the room...

As you have seen in earlier posts the projection area of our simulator in Bottrop will be a bit tricky to work with. Especially the angle of the roof will be a real challenge. But let's see how far we get.

We will try to confirm the possibility to use the walls as projection area with the help of Fly-Elise. To do so we firstly design a simple model of our projection area with 3D builder a program that's delivered with Windows 10 and easy to use.

So far so good. This will be our projection area.

The team is working on orders while we are looking for more space.... ;-)

Flight Simulation is about passion and dedication. And even our van for European deliveries shows this dedication.... ;-)

After a great show the simulator is pushed back into our van and off we go.... ;-)

Ricarda, Kevin, Ben and Christian

Thanks to all customers who have visited us at this years FSweekend in Lelystad. It was again a real pleasure to see many of you again and to see new customers who are into flying an A320.

This time we showed a complete cockpit. The team managed to set the simulator up on a Friday night within 3 hours after a drive of more than 700 kilometers!

Setup almost done... ;-)

Christian doing business... ;-)

At the FSweekend 2016 in Lelystad we had the pleasure to welcome Tom David from Flight Sim Academy at the flight deck. Tom spontaneously set up our simulator and impressed the audience with his expertise.

Please note: Tom is not a real 320 pilot or a student pilot. His experience is based on flying A320 in the desktop and on reading the FCOM. Great job, Tom - even though some knobs did not respond as they should, due to previous customer "testing". ;-)

It was a pleasure having you with us.