Lufthansa Flight Training converts simulator fleet to EP-1000CT
January 30, 2004
Next-generation visual system
Lufthansa Flight Training GmbH (LFT) is continuing to convert its simulator fleet to the new EP-1000CT visual system. Made by the firm of Evans & Sutherland, this revolutionary system celebrated its world premiere in May 2003 on an LFT A340-300 full-flight simulator. Since then the Lufthansa subsidiary has equipped six more of its simulators with the EP-1000CT – more than any other training provider anywhere. By the end of this year a total of twelve LFT simulators in Frankfurt and Berlin will be operating with this state-of-the-art technology, providing LFT customers with the ultimate in cockpit-training quality.

With level D certification of the new image generator on the A340-600 simulator in December 2003, LFT is effecting a generation change in visual systems. The ESIG 3800 GT has been phased out. "The EP-1000CT represents a quantum leap in visual-system technology. We now offer our customers a degree of realism hitherto unknown in pilot training," affirms Gert Lexen, LFT project leader of simulator engineering. Indeed, this high-resolution visual system is setting entirely new standards. Now, when viewing simulated landscapes, the pilot can see not only the immediate environment of the airport. The EP-1000CT is also able to depict the entire surface of the earth. Depicted coastlines and silhouettes of mountain ranges are barely distinguishable from the real thing. Moreover, the new system makes it possible for the first time to simulate various weather scenarios from thunder showers to snow and even sand storms.

The high simulation quality is achieved partly through the use of photo textures. The views are based on satellite pictures and aerial photographs. "When the system affords a view through the clouds, depending on the position the pilot can recognize, for example, the Alps or the Grand Canyon. Every place on earth is realistically depicted," reports Gert Lexen.

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