With the support of Leonardo Global Solutions (LGS), Leonardo has entered into an important partnership with Varjo to consolidate and enhance the Group's capabilities in the field of flight simulation and military pilot training. In recent years, training courses have increasingly made use of ground exercise services, through advanced ad-hoc simulation systems that ensure the highest levels of reliability and realism.
Leonardo addresses this need by offering the broad portfolio of simulation products and systems that make up the so-called Ground Based Training System (GBTS), employing proprietary technologies, simulation systems and Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) learning environments. This is complemented by comprehensive classroom training programmes using computer-based tools.
The partnership between the Group and Varjo has the goal of integrating the latest-generation Varjo XR-3 Focal Edition Headsets into Leonardo Smart Chairs - innovative simulators that mix virtual reality and physical elements - allowing existing flight simulators to achieve next-gen performance, through the implementation of state-of-the-art technical specifications aligned to the requirements expressed by Leonardo's Simulation & Training Systems (S&TS) department.
Leonardo Global Solutions managed the entire procurement process, supporting Leonardo in all phases leading up to the signing of the partnership agreement: from the definition of requirements to commercial and legal negotiation, right up to the issuing of the order.
"The agreement with Varjo is the latest in a series of medium and long-term contracts signed for specific technological areas and programmes," stated Michelangelo Fani, Head of LGS Digital Performance and Services. "The LGS Strategic Governance Model, developed by Engineering Offload procurement, has led to the increase of multiple sourcing levers including, where appropriate, the definition of partnership contracts to secure competitive advantage in key technologies."
This strategy therefore favours the selection of technology partners that can support Leonardo in technological and product innovation while ensuring, among other things, the protection of the company's Intellectual Property.
"This result, achieved through our engineering collaboration with Leonardo Global Solutions, is the fruit of a passionate and highly professional effort," said Giuseppe Pietroniro, Head of Simulation and Training Systems at Leonardo Velivoli. "Working with the Varjo XR-3 Focal Edition headset will make it possible to push the boundaries of training, reaching goals that until recently were unimaginable."
This partnership therefore consolidates the Group's technological expertise to support future challenges in the field of simulation and military pilot training, with the aim of satisfying an increasingly demanding market by offering increasingly advanced products.