The Visual Display Research Tool (VDRT) is a visual simulation system comprising a two channel computer image generation (CIG) system, a head/eye attitude sensing system, and a helmet mounted laser projected dome display system. The VDRT was designed to provide an observer apparent wide field-of-view full color, high resolution, high detail density simulation of the out-of-the-cockpit visual environment.

The VDRT design approach takes advantage of the visual perception limitations of the man-in-the-loop through the use of an eye-coupled area-of-interest. The design of the VDRT was presented to the visual, simulation community in 1981 at the IMAGE II Conference and the Third IITEC Conference. This paper will discuss the progress in developing the VDRT resulting from a contract between the Naval Training System Center (NAVTRASYSCEN) and American Airlines Training Corporation (AATC). AATC and their major sub-contractors Rediffusion Simulation Limited, General Electric and Polhemus Navigation Sciences (PNS) division of McDonnell Douglas Electronics Company have delivered the VDRT system components on-site at NAVTRASYSCEN in April 1985. In-plant test of system components have been completed and results will be reported. System integration and Government final inspection will have been completed by December 1985 and system performance relative to design goals will be reported.