Bihrle Applied Research is working closely with Ken Hyde, founder of the Wright Experience, whose team built the replica aircraft and Old Dominion University, who is wind tunnel testing the vehicle in the historic Langley Full Scale Tunnel. Bihrle will use the wind tunnel test data to develop a detailed flight simulator complete with replica cockpit, controls and digital environment. The simulator, a true representation of the way the 1903 Flyer handled, will prepare pilots to conduct flight demonstrations of the historically faithful replica aircraft on the 100-year anniversary of the Wright brothers’ flight.

Bihrle Applied Research has partnered with Octagon Entertainment to create the PC game. Octagon identified the required talent at Third Wire and contracted the studio to integrate the flight simulation into a game environment and develop a commercial product that will offer aviation aficionados and gamers the opportunity to learn to pilot the world’s first powered aircraft. Using the same engineering data and flight model structure assembled for the trainer, the flight simulator game will feature the 1903 Flyer and other Wright aircraft models. Players will learn to master the unique flight controls and tricky flight characteristics of these aircraft in order to explore the turn-of-the-century worlds in which the Wrights themselves conducted flight demonstrations, from the sands of Kitty Hawk to the airfields at Fort Meyer and College Park. The fidelity and authenticity of the flight models will be unprecedented in the flight simulation game world and will offer a challenge as well as a sense of history.

“This is a refreshing project that exemplifies how gaming can enhance training and simulation,” said Kirk Owen, president of Octagon Entertainment. “The Wright Flyer simulator will be unparalleled in terms of accuracy and realism and I think gamers will be thrilled to experience the Wright brothers’ adventures.”

“Bihrle Applied Research is very excited to take high fidelity simulations of the Wright airplanes used for pilot training and make them available for enthusiasts, students and consumers,” said John Ralston, president of Bihrle Applied Research. “These models will allow a wide audience to experience the learning process that the Wright Brothers went through as they attempted manned flight. Besides the entertainment value, we hope the simulation and the accompanying historical material will also provide people with a deeper appreciation of this important event.”

“We’re very excited be working with Bihrle and Octagon on the Wright Flyer title for the Centennial celebration. By coupling our flight simulation experience with the vast research Bihrle has done rebuilding the actual Flyer, we will be able to bring this very significant and historic flight right into the home computer. Octagon has been instrumental in bringing our talents together for this event,” said Third Wire President Tsuyoshi Kawahito.