Owner-pilots and commercial operators of the Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ) can now be trained on a full-cockpit simulator using X-plane software.
ExcelSim (Hall A, 1020) has brought the full simulator to the show, which includes a wrap-around projected visual system that gives a heightened feeling of reality.
Randy Witt, President of ExcelSim, says the new product costs only the fraction of other full-cockpit systems and argues that because X-flight provides free upgrades to the software for three years, it is the most up-to-date and realistic platform available. “We believe this simulator offers the best value in the aircraft simulator market, both in price and accuracy. It will fit in niches anywhere from pre-type rating training, procedure training and recurrent training. We’re very pleased with the results and will be constantly improving our product along with developments on the Eclipse 500.”
Witt adds the beauty of the system lies in its modular approach, which means customers can pick and choose the level of realism and equipment, based on their budget and requirements. “The simulator has various price points based on the installation, whether a desktop simulator, a procedures trainer or the full cockpit version.”
The company is also offering the ability for operators to lease simulator time at the company’s factory located in St George, Utah and with other Excel customers based around the country.
The product uses X-plane software, which enthusiasts can purchase for around $50 in any high-street store. However, Witt says that because the software is modelled after the engineering design of the aircraft, as opposed to projections based upon published specifications, it is class leading. “This allows for the actual prediction of flight responses based upon the physical features of the aircraft, and the surrounding environment, instead of projecting flight responses onto the aircraft.”
With high price increases in fuel, particularly in Europe, Witt says the four sales of the full-cockpit simulators announced so far are just the beginning. “Rather than burn fuel when training, operators will be able to get real cost benefits. We’re getting a lot of interest from Europe, Dubai and other Asian markets.”
Source: Flight International
