EF-1 SimPit offers a state-of-the-art motion and visual system using Lockheed Martin Prepar3D® advanced simulation software, precise weather, flight models and perfect New Zealand terrain (with other countries upgrades available). Also including sophisticated ATC, flight data and video recording.

"It is a completely new concept of flight simulator – nothing like the traditional cockpit simulators – it actually feels like you are flying with the full field of view just like in a real airplane/helicopter. I’m starting to manufacture these units and I’ll be getting ready for a lite version as well (for home use)." said Tomas Zahradka, SimPit Managing Director.

"This setup I’ve got here is the first ever made – there was quite a few technological challenges to overcome and as far as I know nobody else managed to successfully make a rear projection so big with such a small radius and on top of it with only one single PC. I’m a commercial helicopter pilot/instructor and this flight simulator was always my dream for training (as a bonus in idle time I can use it as a gaming / car racing simulator as well."

"This is 3x2 Rear Projection and the Screen Goo Rear Projection coating was sprayed to coat the curved surface. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to fabric."

A few World Firsts have been achieved with the EF-1 SimPit:

- The First World First: 6 projectors driven from one single PC. 

It used to be necessary to drive one projector from one pc = huge increase in price as you need everything 6 times including software licenses - and it made flight simulators with big field of view very expensive.

 - The Second World First: The EF-1 SimPit achieved 270 degrees field of view with only 3 projectors in a row and in a rear projection - feat used to be taught as impossible. (the setup is 3x2 projectors covering 270 degrees field of view horizontally and 100 vertically)

It used to be done with 5 projectors in a row - so for same setup done the traditional way you would require 10 projectors, 10 PCs and 10x software licenses.

- The Third World First: The Concept - the flight simulator can be reconfigured into any airplane/helicopter/car in matter of minutes without degrading the simulation, immersion and functionality. The simulation is using new technologies and techniques (it utilises visual inputs to enhance vestibular stimulation from motion platform).

The concept also allows the operator to increase the profitability of the simulator by using it as a device for entertainment. (i.e. after training it can be hired out for air racing, carrier ops, search and rescue or dogfights and further increase income).

 - The Fourth World's First: The price - this is the world's first full flight simulator with 270 degrees field of view under $100k

"Flew Simpits new simulator based in Nelson and I must say I'm very impressed by the standard of the screen which starts from behind the pilots shoulders with panoramic views using extremely accurate terrain. It’s the closest yet I've experienced of being in an actual aircraft. The movement from the pilots seat and the control feel and response to inputs make this simulator a very realistic pilot training tool or a most enjoyable fun experience. I highly recommend this simulator experience." Alistair Hart 15,000 hrs Capt Dash8 Q300 Air Nelson/Air NewZealand, Test Pilot, Instructor.

"I flew the helicopter with seat of my pants and found it to have a very real feel. Coupled with the incredibly huge field of view, the accurate flight model and terrain there is very little difference between flying in real life and the simulation. I also tried a spitfire on a mission and found that really quite thrilling chasing bombers and fighters around the sky." Andy Gillatt Chief Pilot of Tasman Helicopters. 3500 hrs in helicopters, 200 hrs in airplane, 900 hours as an instructor.

You can see several fantastic videos showing the EF-1 SimPit in action - Also, visit SimPit's website for more info on EF-1 and much more here -