Abu Dhabi, UAE. 24 February 2021.   The CAE Sprint Virtual Reality (VR) Trainer is part of CAE’s latest and most innovative pilot training system, the CAE Trax Academy, which is designed to support streamlined pilot training and create a more open, self-paced and adaptive student-centered training environment.

 While following all required COVID-19 safety protocols, CAE is now inviting prospective customers with demonstration and test flights on the CAE Sprint VR trainer its offices in ADDAX Tower on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE. 

The CAE Sprint Virtual Reality (VR) trainer includes physical controls and a VR headset that enables visual immersion with high-resolution out-the-window visuals generated by the CAE Medallion image generator, which delivers 20/20 visual acuity to read the instrument panel. Realism is further enhanced by using flight controls – joystick, throttle, and rudder pedals – combined with physical cues boosted by haptics and seat vibration.

The CAE Trax Academy pilot training continuum also includes a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) that enables training organizations and its students to access training content such as schedules, courseware, and remote instruction more easily on demand.  In addition, by implementing an LMS that is optimized through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, an organization can create a pilot training process that is continually adapting and improving.  CAE is currently on contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in the United States to develop and support the Learning Management System as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Pilot Training Transformation initiative. 

One of CAE’s newest and most advanced common databases is also incorporated onto the Sprint VR trainer in the Abu Dhabi Office.

The CAE Sprint VR trainer is the first element of CAE’s initiative to set-up an innovation and support centre in Abu Dhabi that will showcase CAE’s latest digital innovations and technologies to address training and operational support for militaries in the region. This CAE Sprint VR trainer is another investment of CAE technology in the UAE and follows CAE’s most recent commitment to support Tawazun’s SEEDS program which saw CAE enable 22 UAE students to complete a virtual engineering internship. 

For 2021, CAE’s offices in Abu Dhabi are being redesigned to support growth in the region, including initiatives related to Mission & Operational Support offerings.  This expansion will include a specific department focused on R&D and support the recruitment of engineering talent, including long-term internship opportunities and further participation in the SEEDS program. 

“The placement of the Sprint VR trainer and associated learning management system as a customer demonstrator into our facility highlights CAE’s commitment for investment in the Middle East region,” said Thibaut Trancart, Managing Director, CAE Middle East.  “This is an important first step in developing CAE’s local innovation and R&D ambitions as well as another building block towards supporting Emiratization initiatives like CAE has done with the Tawazun SEEDS program. CAE will continue to make investments in digital technologies and data analytics to help our military customers achieve mission readiness.”