Simulator and training company CAE has integrated Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 3D visuals to provide more realistic views for pilots training in its level-D full flight simulators. The first simulator to host the Prodigy image generator with Unreal Engine is an Airbus A320, although CAE said Prodigy will become standard on new and earlier-generation CAE level-D simulators.
“Prodigy improves visual simulation fidelity,” according to CAE, “by elevating training standards in all areas, including photo-realistic renderings and enhanced moving models, to provide a more immersive training experience.” This includes higher-resolution 3D content and more entities and lifeforms in virtual environments such as aircraft and moving ground vehicles in airports, models in motion such as marshalers guiding an aircraft to a position on the ramp, more realistic weather, detailed airport markings, reflections with physics-based rendering, and detailed night visuals.
“Our collaboration with Epic Games on the CAE Prodigy Image Generator is a huge leap forward in the use of technology to increase the efficacy of pilot training and make our skies safer,” said Abha Dogra, CAE chief technology and product officer. “The convergence of the simulation and gaming industries will result in an enhanced simulator training experience with ultra-realistic visuals that further narrow the gap between the virtual and physical worlds.”