Boeing has launched a new trainer jet that is touted as being the most advanced of its kind. The development process of the new trainer jet by Boeing took 36 months, starting from the conceptual stage on a computer screen to the production of a functional flying machine.
The design and construction of the new trainer jet was ergonomically optimized using the IDO ERGONOMICS immersive stereosystem. This system likely allowed the team to simulate and assess the ergonomics of the jet in a virtual environment before its physical production.
Virtual ergonomic testing using simulation systems such as the IDO ERGONOMICS immersive stereo system can significantly shorten an aircraft development process in several ways:
- Early detection of issues: virtual testing can help identify ergonomic issues early in the design phase, allowing engineers to make changes before the aircraft is physically built, reducing the need for rework and saving time.
- Reduced physical prototypes: by testing the ergonomics of the aircraft in a virtual environment, the need for physical prototypes is reduced, which can be time-consuming and expensive to build.
- Improved design accuracy: virtual testing allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the ergonomics of the aircraft, including huma nfactors such as reach, visibility, and accessibility, leading to a more accurate and optimized design.
- Reduced testing time: physical testing of ergonomic features can take along time, but virtual testing can be completed much more quickly, saving time in the development process.
Overall, virtual ergonomic testing allows for more efficient and effective design and optimization of aircraft, which can lead to a shorter development process.
To perform ergonomic tests on a virtual immersive stereo system, the following properties are typically needed:
- Realistic simulation: the virtual environment should accurately simulate the aircraft and its features, including human factors such as reach, visibility, and accessibility.
- Human models: the system should use human models that accurately represent the physical characteristics of the target population, such as bodysize, shape and movements.
- User interaction: the system should allow for user interaction, allowing testers to perform tasks and assess ergonomic features in the virtual environment.
- Display technology: the system should use high-quality display technology, such as virtual reality or 3D displays, to provide an immersive and interactive experience.
- Data tracking: the system should be able to track user movements and actions, providing data that can be analyzed to evaluate ergonomic performance.
- Integration with design software: the system should be able to integrate with design software, allowing for easy transfer of design data and real-time updates during testing.
These properties are essential for virtual ergonomic testing to be effective and provide accurate and meaningful results.
