The development and deployment of wide field-of-view collimated visual display systems for simulators poses many challenges. Optical performance is the primary factor used when evaluating the display solutions, but other factors such as size, weight, strength, adjustability, reliability and maintainability are also critical for providing an integrated, compliant and sustainable system. Mechanical and electrical compatibility with the simulator, motion system and facility must also be taken into account. The industry has offered two major technical approaches for fielding these systems: Segmented Glass-Mirrors and Vacuum-Drawn Continuous Film Mirrors. Each of these approaches has its own strengths and weaknesses along with unique integration issues.

This paper reports on the developmental progress of two similar U. S. Navy Operational Flight Trainers: one using a Segmented Glass-Mirror and the other using a Continuous Film Mirror. It discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each, relative to the optical performance factors and other evaluation criteria mentioned above. Further, the mechanical and electrical integration challenges encountered with both approaches will be reviewed. Both quantitative and qualitative assessments are offered using currently available information. The paper concludes with a discussion of lessons learned and suggested areas for research.