Customer
Industry
Aviation
Category
Simulated Training
Headset
XR-4 2026 Edition
Services
Varjo Alpha
Founded in 2005, Entrol designs and delivers certified flight simulators that meet EASA and FAA certification standards. Their extensive portfolio covers simulators from entry-level Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainers (FNPT) to advanced Full Flight Simulators (FFS) used by aviation professionals worldwide. With their in-house technology and expertise, the company supports customers throughout the simulator’s lifetime.
Entrol has already successfully deployed two mixed reality training solutions powered by Varjo headsets. The first is their Cockpit-Based MR System for pilot training, which replaces the traditional cockpit projector walls with the Varjo XR-4 Focal Edition for improved immersion.
The second solution, their MR Hoist Operator Station, targets rear-cabin training for helicopter rescue operators, featuring a fully functional hoist and a chroma key environment synchronized with the cockpit.
refreshed Varjo XR-4 series
Entrol is integrating the refreshed Varjo XR-4 Focal Edition, purpose-built for training across domains, into its mixed reality training simulators. The newly engineered headset focuses on two critical improvements: greater comfort for long training sessions and improved visual fidelity through reoriented cameras. The headsets' redesigned headband and slimmed rear counterweight ensure stability and comfort during high-intensity pilot training.
"With the latest model, I really like the improved ergonomics. It's improved quite a bit, mostly for small movements in the cabin. It does not feel like the headset is trying to get away from me and it felt much more connected to my head," Diaz says.
Inside the device, an advanced real time eye tracking system monitors where the trainee is looking at all times throughout a session. Building on this capability, the new headset series pioneers AI-improved passthrough with gaze prediction capability to further enhance immersion and reduce system load during high-intensity simulations. "The eye tracking has improved quite a lot and it's easier for us and for pilots to perform a more focused flight," notes Diaz.
High-end XR systems involve more than just plugging in a headset. From hardware and software integration to mission-critical reliability and security compliance, every project comes with its own set of challenges.
With Varjo Alpha, solutions engineers work alongside teams to deliver optimized XR experiences that perform in the real world. From years of working with the most advanced XR use cases, Varjo’s support and solutions teams know what’s needed to succeed. Chances are, if you’re facing an XR challenge, they’ve already solved it.
The Varjo Alpha solutions engineering team responded with a two-day on-site workshop to address these challenges, bringing their expertise directly to Entrol’s simulator floor. The goal of the visit was to identify system bottlenecks and validate performance through hands-on testing with the Alpha team’s own hardware and expertise in the mix.
The first step was to evaluate the hardware setup to uncover areas for improvement. Entrol’s team had already identified some performance concerns, but Varjo’s in-depth assessment quickly pinpointed specific components, like outdated parts and compatibility limitations, that were creating the issues at hand. To clearly illustrate the core problem, the Varjo Alpha team brought along a high-performance PC for a direct comparison highlighting the gaps in the existing configuration.
Another critical focus area was cockpit lighting, which is especially important in mixed reality environments. Since the simulator is fully certified, Entrol was restricted from making permanent structural changes to the setup. To overcome this, Varjo’s team introduced a practical solution: temporary magnetic lighting fixtures that could easily attach to the cockpit interior. This fix proved to be highly effective, as it dramatically improved image quality through the headset’s passthrough cameras and helped to elevate the simulation’s overall realism and training effectiveness.
Tailor-made help
Following the workshop’s hands-on testing and data collection, Varjo delivered a detailed technical report outlining the necessary improvements to optimize the simulator environment. Entrol has already implemented some of the Alpha team’s recommendations and has seen clear improvements in their solution as a result.
“The corrections they suggested were highly specific and tailored to our setup and operational needs,” says Diaz. “Thanks to the outcomes of that workshop, we are now seeing significant progress in the quality and performance of our simulation system.”
In turn, the Entrol team shared feedback with Varjo on what they, as users, needed from the solution. What stood out was Varjo’s genuine receptiveness. “They listened closely, quickly acted on feedback, and began to work on improvements immediately,“ Diaz notes.
“That openness to dialogue is incredibly important to us. When a key technology provider is responsive and collaborative, it builds a strong foundation for a deeper partnership.”
building on the simulation ecosystem
Looking ahead, the Entrol team sees partnerships like this as key to driving broader advancements across the simulator industry. In their view, the aviation industry grows stronger with collaboration rather than competition.
“We truly believe this type of collaboration can lead to even more comprehensive solutions and improve the entire simulation ecosystem,” Diaz says. “Ultimately, it benefits everyone involved: pilots, manufacturers, technology providers, and most importantly, it contributes to enhancing aviation safety, which is our core mission.”
Reflecting on their own experience, the team is confident in the value of the collaboration. “I would recommend Varjo’s service to other companies. In the end, the workshop was extremely valuable for us, and we genuinely believe it would be just as beneficial for other companies as well,” Diaz says.
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