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In 1965, the world of computer graphics and flight simulation was forever changed by William Fetter at the Boeing Company. Fetter, already a pioneering figure in computer graphics, directed a groundbreaking project known as "Carrier Landing," the first first-person CGI 3D simulation of an aircraft landing on a carrier.
This black-and-white film not only showcased the technical prowess of early computer-generated imagery but also laid the foundation for future advancements in flight simulation and video games.
Fetter's innovative work involved creating a realistic 3D perspective from the pilot's viewpoint. This simulation used a computer program that manipulated a wireframe model of the aircraft and the carrier, providing an immersive experience that was unprecedented at the time.
The significance of this project extended beyond its immediate impact; it demonstrated the potential of computer graphics in practical applications, particularly in training and simulation.
The techniques developed in "Carrier Landing" were later used in thousands of video games and simulators. Notably, in 1974, these methods were employed in the Advanced Simulator for Pilot Training, marking the first time such technology was integrated into an advanced training program.
This early use of first-person 3D imagery in pilot training simulators revolutionized the field, leading to more sophisticated and realistic training tools that are now standard in the aviation industry.