A new 4D effects theatre from UK based specialist supplier Simworx has opened at the RAF Museum in London.
Installed within a free-standing enclosure built by Simworx, in the museum’s Historic Hangar building, the new theatre allows visitors to experience a variety of aviation content which provides the history of aviation in stereoscopic 3D.
Among the films being shown is the award winning B17 – The Mission, a World War Two story of a daring bombing raid by a group of young airmen, while another is Ravine Race, chosen to add variety and to cater for younger visitors to the museum seeking more of a thrill ride experience. This takes guests on a 600mph race through the desert in jet powered, flying cars.
Another film being shown is Skies to Eternity, which covers the history of aviation from its very beginnings right up to the present time and presents more than 40 different aircraft and flying devices in real action. Guests are treated to clips on Spitfires and hot air balloons, among many others. Each film benefits from a variety of special effects, including 4D effects lighting, smoke, wind, water spray and aroma, which combine with the 3 DOF (degrees of freedom) motion action seats to immerse participants in the experience. The films will be shown at various times during the day.
The theatre at the RAF Museum London is an additional pay attraction, having been supplied by Simworx on a revenue share basis, an option available to some clients’ dependant on the number of annual visitors to a venue. Speaking of this latest installation, Simworx Managing Director Terry Monkton said: “We are delighted to add yet another museum venue to our list of clients and particularly one as well-known and prestigious as the RAF Museum in London. The 4D effects theatre we have supplied provides another aspect to the visitor experience and an entertaining yet educational element suitable for all ages. The two aviation based films chosen are obviously highly relevant to the venue while the third one, Ravine Race, enables the operator to provide something a little different for those who want it.”
For the museum, Merchandising Manager Vinit Mehta commented: “The most common question that our tour guides, particularly those who have served in the RAF, are asked by the public is ‘How does it feel?’ to be in a particular aircraft or part of a crew in a high octane situation. With our 4D theatre we can now offer our visitors a unique opportunity to understand the actual experience that RAF pilots undergo in combat or as part of their training. By entertaining them, the experience becomes more real and so does their appreciation of our unparalleled collection of aircraft and the men and women who flew them.”
