Dawn of the Supersonic Business Jet
Client: Aerion Corporation
Application: Create broadcast quality video to promote Aerion's concept jet.
Summary
Aerion commissioned WorldViz to rapidly produce broadcast quality video footage for product promotions. WorldViz applied its rapid-prototyping methods and leveraged its expertise in 3D virtual reality to quickly produce compelling visualizations.
Vision
Convention is not part of Aerion's business plan. Bringing practical and economical supersonic business jets to mainstream aviation is. So when it came time to design a jet that could excel at both supersonic and subsonic speeds, Aerion invented the natural laminar flow wing. When it came time to rapidly create quality 3D visualizations, Aerion turned to an unconventional firm known for its ingenuity and flexibility, WorldViz.
Solution
Working with Aerion, WorldViz identified the critical features required in a promotional video for Aerion and then provided a series of 3D rendering clips directly created in Vizard 3.0, demonstrating the design of the aircraft in flight. Then, collaborating with Aerion's marketing team, WorldViz developed a video concept that would show off the aircraft's design features in flight. WorldViz created a real-time compatible 3D model from the CAD data provided by Aerion that aided in scene design and layout. Then WorldViz used its expertise in rendering methods to create the final broadcast quality videos.
Interview
WorldViz: “What service has WorldViz provided for you so far, and do you see it as a cost effective investment?”
Aerion: “WorldViz has created a VR model of the Aerion SSBJ supersonic business jet, and used that to generate several scenes of flight animation which Aerion is currently using to make a promotional/informational video. They have made our model take-off and fly through clouds with just the right amount of realism. So far it has been very cost effective for us. WorldViz literally has opened our eyes to the possibilities of Virtual Reality in developing our aircraft. We see a potential for ergonomic studies of our cockpit environment. The ability to walk around our cabin and experience first hand the layout size and comfort are a big plus."
WorldViz: “Do you see VR as an economic alternative to life-size mockups for display purposes at aircraft related sales events and tradeshows?”
Aerion: "Yes, but as yet we haven't used VR for this purpose. Building full size mockups with full interiors can be a multi-million dollar endeavor. The ability to see your creation in full size 3D with color and texture at a fraction of the cost is definitely a plus. Using today's CAD systems is a great way to get a feel for what you're designing but does not give you neither the level of detail nor the appreciation of scale that VR offers."
WorldViz: “Are you planning on continuing your relationship with WorldViz?”
Aerion: "Yes - definitely. We will continue to use WorldViz as a resource in enhancing our designs and promoting it to our potential customers."
WorldViz: “As far as you are aware, are you a first mover in the realm of VR assisted design showcasing in the Aerospace industry?“
Aerion: "Yes, I am not aware of any prior use of VR showcasing in our industry. Other manufactures may have used VR to explore their products but the level of detail and computer power in the past has not been satisfactory. We are confident that a combination of WorldViz technical expertise and their software are just the right blend for any business to take advantage of VR."
WorldViz: “What is it that Aerion does in the Aerospace industry?”
Aerion: "Aerion Corporation is committed to bringing back supersonic flight to a segment of aviation that will benefit the most from its time saving advantage. That segment is business aviation. While commercial supersonic flight was not cost effective for the general population, it was extensively used by business travelers. Aerion is currently in the advanced design phase of development for an aircraft that will transport up to twelve people at speeds of up to Mach 1.6 and a range exceeding 4000 nautical miles."
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