A unique combination brings together the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Microsoft Flight Simulator, a VR headset and AuthentiKit in one package. It’s quite the combination and this is the short version of the story.

AuthentiKit for an authentic VR experience

This is an interesting story. The RAF and their Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is an aerial display group that traditionally combine a formation flight of Lancaster, Spitfire, and a Hurricane together for ceremonial and display purposes. The group operate out of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. At their hangar, the team has been building a VR oriented Spitfire cockpit.

Using a VR headset, Microsoft Flight Simulator, what looks like Flying Iron Simulation’s Spitfire IX, and AuthentiKit flight sim gear, the goal has been to create a very authentic looking and feeling experience.

AuthentiKit is the 3D printed, DIY, flight sim gear developer that I did an interview with back in November of last year. The goal behind AuthentiKit is to provide prototypical controls and instruments for aircraft with the intention of having a more authentic VR experience. Reaching forward and grabbing a Spitfire spade grip with accurate dimensions is undoubtedly a more authentic experience – especially in VR.

Of course AuthentiKit have done more than just a grip as the group have released the plans for a Spade grip flight stick, Throttle quadrant with WEP, Elevator Trim Wheel, Rudder Trim Wheel, and a Flaps lever.

There’s a press release about the setup available on the RAF website here.

There are also a couple of YouTube videos about it that you may want to watch.