RAF chooses Christie Matrix StIM projectors for Valley Air Station simulation system

Thales modernizes RAF Valley Air Station simulation platform with Christie Matrix StIM projection technology.

The British Air Force (RAF) has opted for Matrix StIM LED projection technology from Christie and the software Thales for your simulation systems.

The most recent project has been carried out at RAF Valley station, located on the Welsh island of Anglesey, where Thales has modernized the simulator's six-axis motion platform (with reconfigurable cabin) that they had using an array of three dual-input Christie Matrix StIM LED projectors in a collimated display system. These devices offer single-chip WUXGA DLP resolution and 600 lumens.

The objective was to achieve a field of vision (FOV) 240° horizontal, in addition to expanding the vertical field of view to 60° using a fourth Christie Matrix StIM flat screen projector.

Thales had already opted for Christie projectors in the remodeling of the Sea King helicopter simulator at the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) from Culdrose, southwest of england. Here, the new generation of Christie Matrix StIM LED lighting and simulation projectors had been used, coupled with strengthened and improved ThalesView software, to optimize the full flight simulator display system (FFS).

“After the success obtained at the Culdrose base, We decided to opt again for Christie's StIM projectors, since they have the capacity to provide simultaneous support to the NVG (night vision) there is OTV (out-the-window vision), which, together with the new ThalesView database, “It has been a great improvement for our team”, declara Lorne Bacchus, Thales TTSL program manager and head of training and simulation.

The ability to achieve realistic NVG simulation is a result of combining InfraRGB lighting (RGB y LED IR) con Christie InfraScene, which offers the possibility of processing and displaying infrared content. For your part, the Christie MotoBlend solution, infrared compatible, It is designed to optimize realistic day and night images and adapted to the surround profile generated by a Christie Twist Pro processor.. The result is an integrated image without cracks or shocks in a series of projectors capable of offering a highly realistic 200º field of vision from the simulator cabin..

The Matrix StIM system provides independent control of both the visible and infrared spectrum and offers real-time balance of chromatic and brightness levels.. It is about, according to Christie, of the first simulation system designed with solid-state lighting technology, so its maintenance is practically non-existent. All these features were crucial for Thales to be able to offer NVG simulation with the fidelity demanded by the end user..