A new high-performance digital image generator has been designed for the most demanding applications of flight simulation. This paper discusses the problems of developing an architecture suited to the special capabilities of very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuitry, which demand a high degree of parallelism and modularity to minimize the required amount of custom integrated circuit design work. Resolving the architecture and design problems led to a system that has features impracticable with previous technology. Among the image generator's features are high scene content and immunity to overloads, 1000:1 dynamic range, anti-aliasing over a 2 × 2 pixel convolution base, continuously variable surface translucency, and a texture subsystem that provides color modulation of both random patterns and specific images free from the artifacts of aliasing and apparent tiling. In addition, the technology permits incorporating a comprehensive system of automated self-diagnosis, and the modularity needed for effective utilization of VLSI makes the system more readily reconfigurable and minimizes its spare parts requirements.