Next-Gen Defense Product Design & Development for Realistic Hoist Training Experiences
INDUSTRY:
Aerospace Defense and Military Training
TYPE OF WORK:
Design of Portable Virtual Reality Systems, 3D Modeling and Prototyping, Design and Build of Complex Systems
One of the most challenging aspects of what Bluedrop does, is to match physical and virtual training aspects to provide customers with an ‘as near real’ experience as possible. Enginuity showed the right mix of solid engineering, real world experience and design flair to partner with us.
Jean-Claude Siew, VP Business Development
Bluedrop Training and Simulation
About the Client
Bluedrop Training & Simulation
Based in Nova Scotia, Canada, Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc. is a leading provider of advanced training solutions tailored for the aerospace and defense sectors. The company specializes in the development of interactive courseware and state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality training systems.
Additionally, Bluedrop offers robust In-Service Support (ISS) services across global aerospace and defense training programs and centers. Their expertise spans managing and maintaining a variety of training equipment, from desktop trainers and high-fidelity rear crew devices to full flight simulators.
Understanding the Problem
The Challenge
How do you demo a full-scale mockup of a training simulator at trade shows?
Bluedrop’s full-scale Hoist Mission Training System (HMTS) can simulate high cable tensions that mimic those usually applied when hoisting people or objects onto a helicopter. A virtual reality headset and simulation engine allows trainees to move and interact with a virtual cable in a real-life scenario.
The large coordinate table, or X-Y table, built into the system allows the virtual and physical cables to remain aligned for a large range of motion, replicating real hoist behavior. However, as an industrial training tool, a full-scale HMTS can weigh up to 8000 lbs. and is not designed for portable use.
Bluedrop sought state-of-the-art portable hoist design and development that could be easily and quickly assembled while keeping all the functionality of the full-scale hoist, fitting on a double (4’ x 8’) standard-size pallet for demonstration at tradeshows and deployment at forward operations bases.
Step 01: Initial Concept Development
We transformed a full-scale virtual reality system, meticulously reducing its scale to meet stringent military and defense requirements. This involved strategic compromises and optimizations to achieve a compact 4'x8' design, ensuring full functionality and compliance.
Step 02: Design of selected concept and thorough analysis
We iteratively designed and validated the system, rigorously stress testing it against real-life use cases like search and rescue, high-risk military environments, and soldier training.
Step 03: System Fabrication and Integration
We took the final design to fabrication through to assmbley and finally integrated the system into a fully commsioned system.
Step 04: Final Product
The final product was a success, demonstrating full-scale HMTS functions to potential clients and customers at multiple trade shows and events.
Solving the Challenge
The Solution
Our team was tasked with scaling down the HMTS while maintaining its functionality, durability, and all full-scale functions, including safety and cable routing. Challenges included space constraints, packaging, and ease of setup. The solution involved merging the hoist and fuselage subsystems into a compact, integrated unit that folds into a small, transportable envelope.
This project showcased our expertise in military product development, combining industrial design to meet the strict specifications of military-grade standards for Bluedrop Training & Simulation. The portable HMTS, weighing approximately 1300 lbs., can be assembled in 1 hour with just a power drill, maintaining the robustness and realism of the full-scale system, exemplifying our proficiency in Military Devices Product Design & Development.
Summarizing the Outcome
The Conclusion
Enginuity successfully engineered a fully functional portable Hoist Mission Training System (HMTS), integrating all the features of the full-scale HMTS into a compact, standard footprint design. The portable HMTS has been showcased at various conferences and trade shows over the past few years, solidifying its role as a pivotal marketing tool for Bluedrop. Attendees gain insight into the safety and cost-efficiency benefits of ground-based virtual reality training.
Key Takeaways
Compact Design
Enginuity resized Bluedrop’s HMTS to a portable size, fitting a standard 4’ x 8’ pallet for easy transport and quick assembly.
Integrated Features
Essential functionalities and high fidelity of the original HMTS were maintained in the smaller, innovative design.
Enhanced Accessibility
The portable HMTS has proven to be a vital marketing tool at trade shows, demonstrating advanced virtual reality training capabilities.
Agile Engineering for Military Product Design & Development
The success demonstrates our capability in delivering cutting-edge military-standard product design and development for mission-critical defense engineering. Whether you need rugged electronics design for harsh environments or smart sensors integration within existing systems, we can help engineer solutions that fit within your current infrastructure.
Aerospace and Defense: We can help you design, develop and prototype military wearable devices, warfighter systems, military drone design, autonomous vehicle development, military simulation design and development, and underwater escape training (UET).
Industrial Marine: The insights gained from our defense projects can be adapted to the marine sector. We optimize energy efficiency and performance in marine systems, ensuring robust and reliable solutions for harsh underwater environments.
Product Development: We bring our expertise in military product design to various industries. From industrial design and mechanical engineering to electronics, we provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring innovative and functional products.
Industry 4.0: Our experience with advanced military systems can enhance digital transformation and automation in manufacturing. We integrate IoT, advanced data analytics, and smart manufacturing solutions to improve operational efficiency and productivity, aligning with Industry 4.0 standards.
By interlinking our expertise in mechanical design, electronics, industrial design, and robotics, we provide comprehensive solutions that enhance the overall performance of your defense systems.
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