XTAL 3 NEO

Mixed Reality Pilot Dedicated Headset

Representing the state-of-the-art technology used in next-generation training, the XTAL 3 Mixed Reality headset was developed to meet the high requirements of professional pilots. Besides the common attributes of the XTAL 3 Virtual Reality headset, it has an embedded mixed reality module.

MR technology has the potential to revolutionize pilot training by providing a highly immersive and interactive learning experience that can improve safety, reduce costs, and enhance the effectiveness of training programs.

Mixed Reality Module

Two video passthrough cameras embedded into the headset combined with a fully functional cockpit replica create an immersive environment, allowing pilots to operate the aircraft naturally, essential for improving muscle memory and exercising motor and coordination skills in real time.

Fidelity

The Fidelity level and combination of front-facing cameras and matching 4k resolution screens enable pilots to read the instrument panels and MFDs.

Advanced Masking

With advanced masking using the combination of green screen function and 3D object mapping, any environment and airplane cockpit can be easily masked and used for mixed reality simulation.

Customized Camera Lenses

Considering the different types of training, XTAL offers various mixed-reality lenses to cover the full spectrum of use cases. Special lens types and resolutions can be custom designed to fit any program requirement, from high fidelity with 60PPD and limited peripheral vision to a full field of view coverage with lower fidelity.

Hand Tracking

Combined with the Ultraleap infrared hand tracking and proprietary RGB passthrough cutout, hands constantly stay visible and perfectly tracked, even in front of the virtual cockpit. Pilots can see their own hands without any additional sensors required.

Head Tracking Compensation

Head Tracking Compensation optimized for mixed reality cockpits minimizes drift between virtual and camera images and improves the overall immersion.

Maximizing Muscle Memory Training

Crystal Clear 8K Resolution

Full RGB 4K resolution per eye and patented custom-made non-fresnel VR lenses create realistic simulations with undistorted image across the entire wide field of view.

Vrgineers development team designed advanced optical correction algorithms, which can correct optical flaws such as chromatic aberration or barrel distortion.

Market-Leading Field of View

The natural pilot movement patterns are supported by the widest field of view, up to 180° horizontal and 120° vertical degrees.

Thanks to the combination with the highest fidelity, pilots train in 1:1 immersive true-to-life simulation. Avoiding unrealistic simulation reduces negative training significantly.

Customized Corrective Lenses

As the only headset on the market, XTAL offers an unmatched experience for customers with diopters. The XTAL 3 has a simple attachment system for additional prescription lens inserts that replace glasses used for common eye disorders.

Vrgineers manufactures customized lenses per the customer’s anamnesis in cooperation with the ophthalmologist. Therefore, helicopter pilots, airliners, or instructors can comfortably use the headset during the whole training session without any limits.

Integrated Eye Tracking

Eye-tracking technology tracks and gathers pilot’s gaze in real-time. The instructors can use the data for debriefing and behavioral analyses visualized via heatmaps after the session.

The instructors and pilots benefit from identifying of problems with scanning patterns, increasing their awareness and efficiency in standard procedures.

Tracking System

The default configuration of XTAL headset comes with SteamVR tracking sensors. However, it can be upgraded with additional tracking technology.

The customer can choose from a variety of supported tracking systems fitting the specific use case.

Customized Solution

The XTAL technology can be modified hardware-, firmware-, and software-wise to fit specific use cases perfectly.

Vrgineers specializes in advanced training technologies using virtual and mixed reality, including building flight simulators, and has experience with XTAL integration into the pilot helmet. Additional sensors or specific chips can extend the technology while keeping high-security standards.

Technical Specifications

Virtual Reality Resolution

3840×2160 per eye

Virtual Reality Refresh Rate

75 Hz @ 4K per eye, 120 Hz @ QHD per eye

Field of View

180° horizontal, 120° vertical (maximum experimental values)
140° horizontal, 90° vertical (default values)

Mixed Reality Resolution & Refresh Rate

Foveated profiles: up to 3072×3040 @75Hz

Uncompressed profiles:4056×3040 @30Hz
3040×3040 @40Hz
2028×1512 @120Hz / @90Hz / @75Hz
1536×1520 @120Hz / @90Hz / @75Hz

Mixed Reality Field of View *

High Fidelity Lens

Balanced Lens

Immersive Lens

Infinite Lens

Horizontal FOV

60 °

80 °

125 °

170 °

Vertical FOV

40 °

60 °

85 °

120 °

^{*The values may differ depending on the software settings and hardware version and used measurement method.}

Displays

Two fast-switching 4K LCD displays for mixed reality

Eye Tracking

Gaze analyses, heat map visualization, running native 120 Hz (up to 210 Hz)

Positional Tracking

Lighthouse (SteamVR) / ART / Optitrack / Polhemus / Vicon or custom

Hand Tracking

Embedded Ultraleap sensor

IPD

Auto IPD range 56‑74 mm

Headset Connectivity

VirtualLink (5 m/16.4 ft) cable or DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.2 gen2, Power 12V, 3A (5 m/16.4 ft)

Microsoft Windows

Software Support

Steam VR and OpenXR drivers
Unity, Unreal, and other game engine plugins
C++ libraries (DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan)

Simulation Support

Commercial:
Prepar3D, X-Plane 11/12, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Aerofly FS, FlyInside

Professional:
Prepar3D, X-Plane 11/12, Bohemia Interactive Simulations (VBS3, VBS4, Blue IG), MAK, multiSim, Metrea, Aechelon Technology

Weight (without head strap)

700 g / 24.69 oz

Dimensions (headset Only)

293 × 123 × 113 mm / 11.53 × 4.84 × 4.44 in

Related Products

XTAL 3 VR

The XTAL Virtual Reality headset has been developed and designed for pilot training, with the input of civil and military

More…

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