Arts & Entertainment

Sun 'N Fun Aerospace Expo To Feature Navy SEAL Mission Virtual Reality Simulation

Those attending can also see a demonstration by the world-famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels from 4 to 4:45 p.m. each day.

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The U.S. Navy will showcase the Nimitz, a mobile state-of the-art virtual reality experience that simulates an actual high-speed Navy SEAL mission.
The U.S. Navy will showcase the Nimitz, a mobile state-of the-art virtual reality experience that simulates an actual high-speed Navy SEAL mission. (Navy Recruiting Command)

LAKELAND, FL — The U.S. Navy will showcase the Nimitz, a mobile state-of the-art virtual reality experience that simulates an actual high-speed Navy SEAL mission, Friday, March 31 through Sunday, April 2, at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland.

Inside the Nimitz, which is housed in a massive, unfolding 18-wheeler, participants go through a video briefing before strapping on an Oculus Rift headset and a piece of wearable technology called a SubPac (traditionally used by club DJs) that percusses in real time to the sounds of the mission.

Related: Sun n' Fun Aerospace Expo Soars Into Lakeland For 49th Year

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Visitors navigate the mission using a cutting-edge steering wheel and throttle system that replicate the actual sensation of piloting a high-speed, Navy Special Warfare Combatant Craft.

Once finished, participants move to the debriefing station, where they receive feedback and a performance grade.

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The Nimitz Virtual Reality Experience will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday at the Lakeland Aeroclub on the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo campus, 3952 James C. Ray Drive, Lakeland.

Sun n' Fun features airshows and more than 500 exhibitors, hands-on workshops teaching building and maintenance skills, and educational forums from pilots and maintenance experts about safety and new products.

Upcoming shows include:

Thursday

  • Sunset Aerial Circus from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Hot Air Balloon Glow from 8 to 8:45 p.m.

Friday

  • Daily Airshow from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
  • U.S. Navy Blue Angels Demonstration from 4 to 4:45 p.m.
  • Sunset Aerial Circus from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Hot Air Balloon Glow from 8 to 8:45 p.m.

Saturday

  • Mass Hot-Air Balloon Launch from 6:30 to 8 a.m.
  • Fly-By Showcase from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • U.S. Navy Blue Angels Demonstration from 4 to 4:45 p.m.
  • Powered Parachute and Paragliding from 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Night Airshow With Fireworks from 7 to 9 p.m.

Sunday

  • Powered Parachute and Paragliding from 7:15 to 9 a.m.
  • Volunteer Parade from 7:30 to 8 a.m.
  • Fly-By Showcase from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Daily Airshow from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • U.S. Navy Blue Angels Demonstration from 4 to 4:45 p.m.

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