Leonardo has announced that its Virtual Extended Reality technology has achieved the Federal Aviation Administration Level 7 certification, marking a historic milestone as the first-ever VR-based training device to attain this level. This significant achievement reinforces Leonardo’s role in developing and supplying advanced training and simulation solutions in the rotorcraft industry, also validating the commitment to safety, reliability, and excellence in technology development.

The VxR seamlessly integrates virtual reality (VR) to create an immersive training environment, offering pilots a revolutionary way to hone their skills. This state-of-the-art technology allows for realistic simulations of various flight scenarios, ultimately reducing training costs and improving operational readiness.

The ETD (Enhanced Training Device) VxR technology has been designed and built with OEM-proprietary native helicopter data for the highest level of fidelity, leveraging superior design and certification capabilities and genuine flight tests to allow the future virtual and extended reality simulators and comply with FTD lev. 7 FAA requirements. The ETD VxR features a compact footprint to support single-engine (VFR and IFR) and light-twin-engine helicopters, ensuring accurate pilot’s perception of the surroundings for single-pilot flight operations, improving training effectiveness and safety and allowing the crew to train on the same mission through interconnected simulators at a cost-effective price point.

“Achieving FAA FTD Level 7 certification for our Virtual Extended Reality technology is a significant milestone for Leonardo and the aviation industry,” said Fabrizio Peano, Vice President of Simulation and Training Services. “This certification confirms that our VxR solution provides safe, efficient, and FAA-recognized training within the most compact device available on the market. We are proud to offer this state-of-the-art technology to our partners and customers, shaping the future of aviation training together.”

This certification ensures that Leonardo’s VxR solutions meet stringent regulatory requirements, enabling customers to benefit from realistic simulations and certifiable training credits at a fraction of the cost of traditional training devices. Leonardo announced early market success ahead of certification in late 2024 with a first order in the USA for EMS operations.

Leonardo’s VxR system will transform the training landscape, promoting a safe, cost-effective, and interactive learning experience. With its robust capabilities tailored to meet the evolving demands of the aviation sector, Leonardo reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and operational excellence.