Introducing the SFx Premier: A full Vision Jet cabin, with or without 6DOF motion
RealSimGear has launched the SFx Premier, a complete replica Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet cabin built around its existing SFx flight deck. The cabin recreates the full window frame for use with wraparound visual systems, and adds a second seat with co-pilot side force feedback stick, a live CAPS and emergency overhead panel.
Why a cabin
The SFx Pro console was designed to be an open cockpit product with the visuals based on monitors. When the monitors are replaced by a large projector visual system, the virtual cockpit overwhelms the view, forcing the 3D cockpit to be turned off entirely.
"The need for a cabin became pretty obvious once we started using our sims with larger and larger visual systems," said Jarrod Barker, RealSimGear founder and CEO. "Once you add a 3-metre wraparound projection system, it's clear that a 3D image of your cockpit no longer cuts it. So we got to work designing and building a cabin system."
The Premier cabin recreates the complete SF50 window frame. The pilot's view of the outside world is now bounded by the aircraft's own structure, not by a rendered approximation of a virtual cabin.
Photographs taken inside the SFx Premier Cabin. 
What the cabin adds
The new SFx Premier cabin includes:
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A 1:1 replica SF50 cabin recreating the complete window frame.
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A CAPS and emergency overhead panel integrated into the new cabin. Engine fire buttons and switches are live and operable, map lights have. been added as well as pockets for emergency oxygen masks and a fully integrated instructor camera.
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A second seat and co-pilot flight controls with the SFx's dynamic control loading (force feedback) replicated on the co-pilot side stick.
The overhead panel matters. Emergency scenario training in the SF50 makes heavy use of engine emergency drills and the use of CAPS, both which are located above the pilot's head. A device without an operable overhead panel cannot elicit muscle memory. A simulator is an effective training tool provided it matches the real aircraft, where everything is in the right place and that is something we take very seriously when we develop a RealSimGear device.
Dual controls change what a simulator can be used for. With two seats and two sets of controls, the Premier Series supports crew resource management training, a course requirement for collegiate programs using reduced ATP minimums, and something most programs currently deliver with an instructor role-playing the second seat rather than flying it.
RealSimGear SFx Premier with 4k Triple Projection Visual System
Premier Motion
The fully enclosed configuration mounts the same cabin on a commercial-grade 6DOF motion platform: a closed-door device siliar to systems found at training centres of major airlines.
"We were originally a little sceptical about the value of adding motion to a device at this level," said Jarrod. "But once you close the door and experience the whole thing together, the full cockpit, the sound, the vibrations and turbulence, it's like WOW, this is incredible."
Until now, a fully enclosed 6DOF device with this level of fidelity has been the preserve of airline and type-rating centres, at a capital cost that puts it out of reach of independent training centres and flight schools. RealSimGear Premier Motion configurations start at US$399,000, a small fraction of what a conventional enclosed motion device costs, and it is the first time a device of this kind has been priced for flight schools rather than airlines.
RealSimGear SFx Premier Motion
FAA Approval
The SFx Premier is not currently an FAA-approved aviation training device, however as of the time of writing, we are seeking AATD approval and will announce the outcome once it is known. Under current FAA rules, neither the cabin nor the motion system adds additional loggable training credits. FAA flight training credits follow the devices' approval level and the program's approved curriculum, not its physical fidelity.
Across the range
Premier is rolling out across every RealSimGear product line. SFx Premier joins TBMx Premier for the TBM 960, with Piper Seminole and Piper Archer Premier models to follow
"RealSimGear has always been about making high-end flight simulation more accessible," said Jarrod. "This is the next step in that journey."
Availability
SFx Premier is available to order now from $249,000. SFx Premier Motion configurations start at $399,000 for piston aircraft and $499,000 for Turboprop/Jet aircraft. Visual system, motion and support options are quoted per configuration. Request a demo or quote → HERE
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