Sharper moves inside Saab dome simulator

Saab’s Presentation and Maneuvering Simulator (PM‑SIM) is where tomorrow’s cockpit ideas meet real‑world scrutiny. To keep pace with faster prototyping and ever‑higher realism, Saab teamed up with 3D perception and Barco to deliver a next‑gen visual system for its 3‑meter‑radius dome – the result is crisper imagery, smoother motion, and dependable performance across daylight, dusk, and night scenarios.

From pixels to decisions

Saab’s PM‑SIM is a core engineering instrument where ideas for future Gripen capabilities take shape long before they fly. Inside its 3‑meter‑radius dome, engineers prototype new cockpit functions, validate flight‑control logic, and explore human‑machine interactions in a space designed to mirror real‑world complexity. The dome delivers a wide field of regard of ±135° horizontally and +120°/−45° vertically, which raises the bar for multi‑channel consistency and blending.

And because the simulator also hosts high‑stakes visitor demonstrations, its display system must be both technically precise and consistently impressive. Together, those requirements created a clear need for higher fidelity, more stability, and a future‑proof visual platform.

Saab needed higher native resolution, smoother motion for dynamic scenarios, resilient performance under shifting ambient conditions, and automation to minimize downtime and manual touch‑ups on a tightly curved surface.

Realism, upgraded

3D perception upgraded the visual system with ten Barco F400‑N4K solid‑state laser‑phosphor projectors, each delivering native 4K and a pathway to pixel‑shifted 8K at up to 240 Hz to enable ultra‑smooth motion.

The F400 platform is purpose‑built for demanding simulators like these, engineered for shock and vibration and with a long‑life solid‑state light source. That combination helps preserve visual performance while containing total cost of ownership.

To unlock the full value of the upgraded projection system, the visuals also needed an ecosystem that could keep every pixel precisely where it belongs. That is where 3D perception’s display technologies come into play, creating a tightly integrated environment in which Barco’s F400‑N4K projectors perform at their best.

3D perception’s Northstar™ platform – built around real-time nBox™ display processors, nControl™ management software, and WarpSync™ auto-alignment screen sensors – automatically handles geometry, warping, blending, and alignment to ensure seamless multi‑channel consistency with the accuracy a high‑precision simulator requires.

From prototype confidence to training realism

With the upgraded visual system, Saab reports a new level of realism and flexibility for pilots and engineers, supporting faster development, better decision‑making, and high‑impact demos. The system’s automation reduces manual alignment effort, and its future‑ready bandwidth means PM‑SIM can scale with next‑gen image generators as requirements evolve.