NLR Air Traffic Control Simulator.
Real-time air traffic control training brought inside with a 360° simulator.
Information |
NLR | 2019
Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
17 high-end 4K projectors, Ceiling main steel construction, Custom projector support frames, Electronic blending & warping, Networked control system, Interfacing, 360 degrees projection H=4.3 meters - D=10 meters
Introduction
How can you recreate the complexities of an air traffic control tower inside a room? NLR, the Dutch aerospace research institute, collaborated with The Storytelling Company to develop a fully immersive ATC simulator. Located inside a curved, 10-meter visual dome, this space recreates operational conditions from Schiphol and other major airports.
Challenges
NLR wanted realistic training for air traffic controllers that included dynamic environmental cues like weather, day/night cycles, and varied airport scenarios. The system needed to support multiple positions, each with three high-resolution TFT screens and optional pen tablets, plus supervisory roles and real-time adaptability. The visual performance also had to render fine details such as runway lights, small aircraft, and weather effects at four times the resolution of its predecessor
Solution
TSC engineered a full-scale ATC simulator under a large curved screen providing 360 degrees horizontally and 40 degrees vertically. Five trainee positions, each offering a triple-monitor setup, parallel a supervisor station and roles for departure control or meteorological duties.
The visualization system supports simulation of diverse airspace environments, from Schiphol to regional hubs like Rotterdam, Eelde, and international airports including Milan‑Malpensa and Paris CDG. Operating on a high-resolution platform, it delivers crisp visuals with improved brightness and contrast
Results
NLR now operates a next-generation ATC training environment that delivers hyper-realistic simulation across multiple positions. Controllers practice in varied operational scenarios, from night approaches to snow-covered runways, while supervisors and specialist roles can be included for team-based training.
The improved visual fidelity enhances decision-making, reduces error risk, and supports training replication for diverse airport configurations.
Ready to bring immersive realism into your training environment?
Let’s build a tailored simulator that combines precision, scale, and high-resolution fidelity, perfect for complex operations and team training.