VirtualHUD: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What does it project?
The VirtualHUD projects Attitude (Pitch and Roll), Heading, Altitude, Speed and Highway in the Sky when connected to an external GPS. In addition, you can also project any other information desired, via a standard RS-170b video input. A great example is the Forward.Vision EVS-100 Long Wave Infrared Camera. With the EVS-100, we can provide the pilot with a view forward that looks like daylight, even in the darkest night. This image is projected in front of the pilot, turning the propller arc into a window of visibility even in smoke, haze or fog.

2) Does the VirtualHUD project onto the windshield?
No, the VirtualHUD actually projects right through the windshield and onto the surface created by the spinning propeller.

3) So, this must be certified by the FAA, right?
No, as a portable device, the VirtualHUD ForwardVU can be used in any single engine plane with a front propeller. It simply plugs into your cigarette lighter and attaches to the windscreen by a RAM suction cup ball mount. There is also an additional "built-in" chassis for Experimental and Light Sprot Aircraft.

4) What about twins, rotorcraft or jets?
The VirtualHUD was designed specficially for small single engine (or three engined) tractor driven aircraft. Because it uses the propeller as a projection surface, the VirtualHUD only works on aircraft where the pilot is situated directly behind the propeller. This includes most small aircraft from Cessna, Beechcraft, Piper and Cirrus as well as most Experimental and LSA manufacturers.

5) What happens if the propeller stops?
Well, first off, you have bigger problems to worry about. :-) However, the portable VirtualHUD ForwardVU is equipped with a fall back mode that can be used to display the EFIS on to any surface. If the propeller stops, simply pulling the unit away from the windsreeen will enable the fall-back (or what we call "Limp Home") mode. In addition, because this is a backup advisory only device, all your standard instruments will still be in place.

6) Has it flown?
Yes. The VirtualHUD has been undergoing flight testing in a 1982 Beechcraft Skipper. It is mounted directly to the windshield with the use of a standard RAM type ball mount and suction cup. The only other modification done to the plane is the application of a strip of white "prop-tip" paint on each blade. The paint is not necessary, but is used to enhance the visibility of the heads up display.

7) How does it look when the sun is directly behind you?
The VirtualHUD ForwardVU is sun light readable except in the instance where the sun is directly in front of you where our instincts force us to look away anyway, or where the sun is reflecting off of a surface (like a lake or propeller) causing you to be temporarily blinded. There is a simple rule of thumb... if you can't see the propeller, then you can't see the VirtualHUD.

8) How much and when?
The VirtualHUD ForwardVU is available to order now. Check the Purchase Page for more details or contact sales@virtualhud.com to request our purchase agreement and ordering form.

9) Who else has flown it?
Because we are just starting to produce the VirtualHUD, testing has been limited to internal employees only. However, we are now in the process of equipping Corkey Fornof's LoPresti Fury with the VirtualHUD ForwardVU to complete our testing. In addition, we look forward to showing some amazing video from Corkey's beautiful aerobatic routine as he flies through the Highway in the Sky of the VirtualHUD.

10) Will you be at any airshows soon?
Yes. We will be attending all of the larger venues. For example, Sun-n-fun, Oshkosh and AOPA. We also attend several smaller events throughout the year, so please check those event schedules or this site for more information. If you'd like us to attend your show and present a seminar, contact us for further details.
Contact Info: info@virtualhud.com