In the pursuit of eye-limited (20/20) training, simulation systems have been limited by display technologies. Displays used for simulation have typically been bulky and heavy, and their resolution capability has always lagged behind the image generator development curve. The tables are turning as display technology takes a giant leap with the emergence of ultra high-resolution (UHR) displays. The first UHR display technology has been demonstrated in a prototype projector developed by Evans & Sutherland. Displays built on this technology can be compact, lightweight, low power, bright, high-contrast, and ultra high-resolution. Advances in a variety of disciplines such as electronics, manufacturing, MEMS, optics, and digital video have made this technology possible. The challenge now is to satisfy the display's insatiable appetite for pixels with useful information.

Ultra high-resolution displays promise to advance flight simulation training to new heights. Military pilots will be able train on simulators to recognize targets, threats, and other objects that previously were not possible to identify due to lack of resolution and detail. Also, the risk of negative training will be reduced. The US Air Force, with their M2DART system, has recognized this advantage and seeks 5k x 4k (20 million pixels) per display.

This paper addresses simulation displays, the prototype projector technology, and the impact of ultra high-resolution displays on simulation.