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Is it a bird? Is it a plane? |
| Theallineed.com |
(NC&T/UC) Dr. Richard Levy, an architect and urban planning professor in the Faculty of Environmental Design, teamed up with STARS design engineer and EVDS alumnus Keith Rach to turn Rach's 3-D computer model of the new AgustaWestland 139 helicopters STARS will be adding to its fleet into a life-sized virtual reality simulation of the new air ambulances. Using the powerful computers and projection system in the Schlumberger iCentre at the Calgary Centre for Innovative Technology, STARS' emergency medical experts are coming up with the best design for the inside of the new aircraft. The AW-139s will be larger and faster than the five helicopters currently used to quickly transport patients to hospital from remote areas of the province.
"Having the opportunity to test out the AW-139s before we take delivery of them is very useful for us," STARS CEO & President Dr. Greg Powell said. "Our engineers are working with our Air Medical Crew to see what the best functional layout is going to be inside the helicopter. This is allowing us to plan and prepare to work in the new helicopters before they arrive."
The project is a rewarding one for Levy, who has come up with virtual reality models of archaeological sites around the world and re-created World War II battle sequences. Levy has used computer models to help design buildings including the new Calgary courthouse complex, give Olympic athletes a chance to train on "virtual" bobsled and speed skating tracks, and is working with local schools to create virtual reality learning programs for students.
"There's no end to how this technology can be used," Levy said. "Designing something the right way in the first place, so you don't have to change it after it has been built, can save a lot of time and money. This is a very useful tool for doing that."
 | | Rach's 3-D computer model of the new AgustaWestland 139 helicopters STARS will be adding to its fleet into a life-sized virtual reality simulation of the new air ambulances. (Photo: U. Calgary) |
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