There are a couple of really good ones on Steam.
Absent direction, I was planning on getting some Steam Machines as our new software workhorses and then invest in that software so cadets could freely hone their drone skills.
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This was actually discussed in another thread somewhere whet they were first announced! Still no pricing, so its hard to gauge.
2 posts were merged into an existing topic: Tech and AI Geekery
They’ve already said that prices might be a bit higher due to the DRAM shortage.
Another left field option (for flight sim, won’t run every game) is the M4 Mac Mini. I’ve not tested it (yet) but it will run x-plane.
ETA Velocidrone Tech Reqs link
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@Hercules have I missed a nuance somewhere?
ACTO75 says <170g for indoor flying, but the indoor OM says 100g.
I’ve read through the OM and the IBNs. I just want to know which software etc we can use for synthetic, so we can crack on with it.
I would go with “any”
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that’s a typo. Should be 170. I am getting it changed.
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I really hate that we have to use simulated drones. Honestly, what has this organisation come to 
We used to be good.
There is no need to use simulator drones at all. You can fly indoors or outdoors, and indeed this would be my preferred options. The IBN even states this
However, there are many units for differing reasons that cannot fly indoors or have access to large open spaces for outdoor flying. This virtual option gives them access to the qualification.
we wouldn’t we wish to include it?
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How many unit will take it as an easy option though. Get the cadets outside. It’s turning into school.
Drone simulators aren’t necessarily a bad thing.
I want to kit my unit out with drone sims and proper controllers. Eventually, FPV headsets.
You could develop some serious competency with those and also make sure cadets are significantly more competent before flying the real thing. And more cadets could play at the same time, do time trial competitions etc.
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Couldn’t agree more. This is all about teaching the correct motor skills in a managed and controlled way so they can build on these and be confident and competent outdoor pilots.
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I can’t influence that. But there needs to be options to allow everyone to get involved.
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Indeed. It is what the Army (regulars) are doing to train their teams. KRH were showing their set up recently.
Anyone saying we should only use ‘real’ drones misses the point of synthetic training. Plus there are other advantages, such as the possibility of competitions. But I’m probably preaching to the choir!
We’re not training the army - we are supposed to be giving the kids a fun experience that they can’t get elsewhere. They can fly an online drone from their bedrooms. What next, marksmanship on CoD from home? VR leadership exercies? Why even bother with squadrons, we can do everything on teams.
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Look, let me tell you that if I’d had modern day quality of synthetic training access, I wouldn’t have failed flying training.
People of all ages spend hours on game systems of all types because they’re really fun. If we can leverage that to develop real-world skills during non-flying time then we’re laughing.
Managing real drone flying safely is a big drain on personnel and not all of us have the capacity or confidence to take that on. Synthetic training is an incredibly easy win if we can standardise the kit, software etc
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Both of these things are huge fun if done correctly.
We literally have DCCTs and lots of people think they’re more exciting than the real thing.
If I could set up a classroom for roaming VR I could run stuff like that every night with ease.
Even “keep talking and nobody explodes” is a huge hit.
Doing these things together is still better. People bond through it and it can be really exciting.
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@Hercules are there any particular RPAS you would recommend for indoor flying?
Why not?
I developed one during lockdown and we still use it from to time. Especially if it’s wet but I’ve also used it when one of the team was in crutches!
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