This time last year I had never put on a VR headset, but we got a HTC Vive at work and now ALL I build is Virtual Reality trainers.. and they are SUPER cool.. I had the 3D models for everything, since I had built them for projects over the years.. I just threw them all together in new environments and BANG - I'm in the middle of an environment full of 3D models of A-10's and F-16's and full models of engines for both, and pretty much you name it..
The Fear of Heights trainer is almost done - I keep adding stuff to it.. In addition to the elevator/plank thing, you can teleport to the bucket of a utility truck and actually ride the bucket up to a power pol. you can climb a ladder all the way to the top of a water tower, or to the top of the power pole.. and you DO fall and it DOES feel like falling, although I'm used to it now.. in fact, I always jump off everything cuz its faster than resetting the sim lol..
I did an engine sim for a C-130J engine, where you're standing next to it and you start it up and you get all the air intake, fuel spray, sparks, fire etc.. then you can pull all the pieces of the engine apart like an accordion and stick your head in the compressor and see everything moving and fire and stuff.. it rules..
i'm also finishing up an HH-60 Helicopter sim where you hafta do a weapons check on the GAU 2 and GAU 18 gatling and machine guns and then disassemble them and do Ops checks and whatnot on the helicopter.. I start the sim with you standing by where it lands.. it flies in, lands, and taxi's right in front of you and you hafta be waved in by the pilot while the rotors are running - after you put on your safety gear, that is.. Then I have it setup where there is a crosshair in your headset and you haft aline it up with all the items you hafta check - rotor covers, engine covers, chocks, fire extinguisher etc.. you hafta line them up and stare at them for 2 seconds.. after 2 seconds they glow to signify that you've inspected them and then they get checked off on a check off list you can pull up at any time..
Sorry - I'm babbling, but I get giddy talking about this stuff.. I've given more demos to generals in the last year than I have in 17 years out there combined.. I really do think we are changing the way the Air Force will train from now on.. and as it stands, I'm the only guy I know of building this stuff for them, so hopefully that's job security lol...
Actually, UK, I think you can fun down to Best Buy or some other electronics store and they should have a demo set up there that you can try.. its super cool...
Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..