VISUALS 3D Product visualisation - 3D LYNX HELICOPTER SYSTEM EMULATION

GKN WESTLAND Lynx - ©Copyright of Pennant PLC 2005. Use of these images (or linking to these images) by any other persons or organisation without express permission from the afore mentioned parties is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

GKN Westland Helicopter Navy Lynx Electrical System Emulator.

As a ground engineers training aid for the Westland Lynx, a full a comprehensive emulation of the helicopter's electrical and mechanical and hydraulic systems was needed. The only accurate and cost effective method to do this was to create a full working 3D model of the helicopter and test equipment.Pennant PLC created a complete model down to nut and bolt level. This was done by taking Catia CAD data, engineering drawings and working from photographic reference to produce an incredibly detailed replica which could then be used to provide detailed scripted animation for use in a software based visual trainer. The visual trainer allows the engineer to click on any part of the helicopter to remove panels, push switches, switch on lights, activate the pilot and co-pilot controls, connect up cables etc. It provides feedback for the test equipment and updates all parts of the helicopter in real-time.. so switching a switch in the cockpit may activate the exterior landing lights and show this accordingly.

As part of this project Visuals 3D's services were contracted in to assist in several areas of the 3D creation. Most notable being the complex gearbox and hydraulic flight controls. Being able to integrate with the team and liaise directly with the client was imperative to enable us to create an accurate and detailed job.

Frontal view of hydraulic systems - fairing removed

Left - Gearbox hydraulics / fairing removed

From this image you can see the complexity and detail of the model.

This gives an idea of the nature of the actual interactive image. Being able to click on the image to activate an item. For instance clicking on an hydraulic hose to disconnect it and show it in it's disconnected state. For this a 'cutout' overlay would be shown over the image showing the new state. Care had to be taken to make sure that shadows and such didn't interfere with the various overlay states.
For this particular image the servos had 21 position states each, and had to be shown with and without cables and hoses.... so in all careful planning and rendering had to be achieved to make sure the least number of overlays was necessary. In this case possibly up to 380 separate renders were required - and then this had to be coordinated with other views (see below)

Below - Side view of the gearbox hydraulics with the front fairing in it's open position

Side view of hydraulic systems - fairing in forward position

*The above images are ©Copyright of Pennant PLC 2005.

*Written permission has been granted by Pennant PLC & GKN Westland for VISUALS 3D to use these images.

*Use of these images (or linking to these images) by any other persons or organisation without express permission from the above parties is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.