ITA Airways announces the adoption of an innovative mixed virtual reality training device that will replace the traditional physical doors used for cabin crew training.

The new system uses a programmable robotic arm with force feedback capable of very realistically reproducing the movement, weight, pressure, and opening and closing mechanisms of the aircraft’s doors and emergency exits. The device is integrated with an immersive virtual reality environment accessible via a VR headset, which allows for 3D simulation of the operational environment, the aircraft cabin doors, the wing exits, and their corresponding controls.

The software manages door operations, training scenarios (normal and emergency), and real-timedata tracking. ITA Airways is the first airline in Europe to use this innovative system for training on the use of doors and over-wing exits on A-220 aircraft, as well as on the exit doors of the A-321neo, with the possibility of extending the simulation in the future to other aircraft models in the company’s fleet.

Compared to traditional systems, the new device -developed as part of integration projects withthe Lufthansa Group- offers greater realism and immersion. The robotic arm faithfully replicatesthe weight of the door, the resistance of the handle, and the locking mechanisms, while virtualreality provides detailed visuals, cabin announcements, and realistic sounds from the flightenvironment.

The range of training scenarios has been significantly expanded: instructors can alternate between normal, abnormal, and emergency operational situations without modifying any physical models,and can also simulate malfunctions, adverse environmental conditions, or complex events.

A single device is capable of simulating various aircraft door models, reducing the space required and maintenance costs. Finally, the device eliminates the need for a full-scale fuselage, thereby also optimizing the operational use of the fleet.