Virtual reality (VR) systems use various combinations of computer technology to create a real or abstract virtual space. VR is of interest to education and training because it makes it possible to develop highly flexible learning environments.

The technology Virtual reality systems are characterised by two essential features:
They give 3D real time representation of a real or abstract space. These spaces are sometimes called virtual or artificial environments or spaces. On more advanced VR systems these virtual worlds can be shared with other users the world generated by the computer reacts to the actions of the user.
There are two main 'types' of virtual reality technology, separated principally by the way that they display the virtual world:

Flat-screen VR – the most common and the cheapest way of building and using virtual environments. These kinds of virtual spaces can be viewed on a basic stand-alone PC, or over the World Wide Web using a computer language called Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML). Flat-screen virtual reality is not usually 3D, but there are some systems that use special 3D glasses to trick the viewer's eyes into seeing the virtual environment in three dimensions.

Immersive VR – the popular concept of virtual reality, immersive VR requires the user to wear a combination of a head-mounted display (which displays the images stereoscopically) and an input device such as a dataglove (which allows a computer user to 'handle' objects in the VR). A major disadvantage is that head-mounted display devices are expensive, heavy, unreliable and not suitable for all users; they are known to induce head-aches and nausea in some people.

The VIRTUAL REALITY CENTRE at ADA was set with the primary objective of catering the need for LCA virtual prototyping activities with state of the art H/W and S/W tools. This VR centre is first of its kind in INDIA, set up for virtual prototyping applications in the area of aircraft developemnt and manufacturing activities. The centre is equipped with a Digital Conference Room for design reviews and all appropriate S/W and H/W tools to create and study Virtual Prototypes.

VR center is equipped with :

a) 1 onyx m/c
b) 2 octane m/cs
c) 6 indigo m/cs
d) 1 indy m/c
e) Barco projector

Since the inception of VR lab at ADA it has dedicated itself for the prestigious LCA project.
It supports by providing high end hardware for taking the LCA data and software has been developed for better visualization, analysis, automation etc.
Following softwares have been developed here:

1) PRANA : PRANA is a Virtual Prototyping Software for visualisation, interaction and immersion into large CAD assemblies. Prana has the capability of generating a virtual prototype and can display not only the geometry of the part but also its behaviour.

2) AVERT : It stands for ADA Visual Engineering Reseach Tool. Simulation and scenegraph editor are the key features of this software.

3) VRTRANS : VRTRANS S/W is a CATIA translator. It takes the CATIA models as input and generates VRML, INVENTOR and STL files that can be read by PRANA.

4) SCENEBUILDER : It is a S/W developed on top of Inventor and can be used mainly to add materials, lights, textures etc and also helps one to construct the scenegraph interactively.

3D Mouse : The 3D mouse has three button on its upper part : left , middle and right . At the bottom portion it has two more buttons : top and the bottom button. Get different kind of movements by combining these buttons.

Cyber Glove : Cyber Glove is a low profile , lightweight glove with flexible sensors which accurately and repeatedly measure the position and movement of the fingers and wrist.   

 Pinch Glove :Its is a pair of Gloves which is capable of changing the data associated with its sensors. every finger has got a sensor and by using the combination of these sensors different operations can be performed on the scene

 HMD : Its a head mounted display device.When worn, a HMD blocks virtualy all extraneous light and focuses the users eyes on the scene being projected. The result is a much greater sense of immersion in the virtual environment than would be possible by focusing on a monitor.

Tracker : Tracker is required for proper navigation ,orientation and rotation of the scene through the above mentioned devices .

Mainly there are four groups which avail the facility of VR applications:

1) QASEG - This group is responsible for quality assurance.

2) DPA/CATIA - This group use the softwares for better visualization which will help them in modelling.

3) HAL - Hindustan Aeronautical limited is the organization responsible for manufacturing the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). They use our software in almost all steps of manufacturing.