CAE announced today that it is the first major aviation simulation and training organization to seamlessly integrate a game engine into its Full Flight Simulator (FFS) visual system and achieve Level D Certification*, FFS’ highest level of certification. The FFS is equipped with the next-generation CAE Prodigy Image Generator (IG), which leverages gaming technology through Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, combining highly realistic 3D visuals with high-end full-motion simulation to deliver more realistic pilot training in a virtual environment.
“Our collaboration with Epic Games on the CAE Prodigy Image Generator marks a major leap in the use of technology to improve the efficiency of pilot training and enhance safety in the skies,” said Abha Dogra, chief technology and product officer at CAE. “The convergence of the simulation and gaming industries delivers an enhanced simulator training experience with ultra-realistic visuals, further narrowing the gap between the virtual and real worlds.”
“CAE Prodigy raises the bar in pilot training by providing realistic visuals with higher fidelity graphics that make your time in the simulator more real than ever,” said Michel Azar-Hmouda, president, commercial aviation training at CAE. “With CAE Prodigy, CAE continues to solidify its position as a leader in adopting new technologies to support our customers and improve aviation safety.”
“We’re thrilled that CAE, a global leader in training and simulation, is leveraging Unreal Engine to improve pilot training and aviation safety. Achieving Level D certification is a testament to CAE’s expertise in this field as they continue to push our technology to new levels of realism,” said Bill Clifford, vice president and general manager of Unreal Engine at Epic Games.
The CAE Prodigy product development roadmap includes incremental deployment into civil and defense & security simulators based on an increasing feature set supporting new deployments and updates. CAE Prodigy builds on the proven capabilities of CAE’s existing family of visual systems and leverages the innovative rendering technology of Unreal Engine to deliver a highly optimized and flexible image generator solution.
*Level D certified under EASA CS-FSTD(A) Issue 2 regulations. The fidelity of Level D simulators is so high that pilots transitioning to a new aircraft can perform all their training in the simulator rather than in the aircraft.
About EPIC GAMES
For more information on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, visit https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/solutions/simulation.
About CAE
At CAE, we provide expertise and solutions to those who play a vital role in creating a safer world. As a technology company, we deploy software-based simulation training and critical operational support solutions to digitize the physical world. Above all, we empower pilots, flight attendants, airlines, defense and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the risks are highest. With more than 13,000 employees in nearly 250 bases and training locations across more than 40 countries around the world, we are wherever our customers need us. For more than 75 years, CAE has delivered industry firsts, including the highest fidelity flight and mission simulators and training programs powered by digital technology. We embed sustainability in everything we do. We ensure our customers are prepared for the moments that matter, today and tomorrow.
All images courtesy of CAE
