FLYING THEATRE BY AUFWIND
Immersive attractions for theme parks and businesses
A Flying Theatre is an immersive 4D simulator that combines motion, large-format projections and special effects to create an extraordinary overall experience. Whether as a crowd-puller in a theme park or a highlight at a trade fair – Flying Theatres are fantastic attractions that are simply great fun.
Also available to rent!
We can do that.
We develop custom-made Flying Theatre concepts – from the initial creative idea through to media production and technical implementation. This results in attractions that are perfectly tailored to your target audience, your theme and the specific setting.
Quick facts: Case studies
The Ravenmoor Academy Darkride is one of our most ambitious attraction projects to date. Mora, a pupil, guides visitors through the story as the main character – supported yet challenged by her ghostly alter ego, who repeatedly stirs things up with dry humour and unexpected twists. Over the course of a ride lasting more than ten minutes, live acting, intricately detailed sets, animatronics, projections, specially developed 3D animations, state-of-the-art show technology and a custom-made soundtracks merge to create an immersive experience.
The Tiki Tahiti Adventure takes visitors on a fast-paced treasure hunt right through the heart of the jungle. Three elaborately staged pre-shows introduce the story of an absent-minded professor and the mysterious treasure of the Tikis, before the approximately seven-minute Flying Theatre dark ride begins, featuring dynamic flight sequences, special effects and surprising twists. State-of-the-art projection technology, a full-motion ride system, custom-made media content and richly detailed theming combine to create an immersive adventure for the whole family.
For Oerlikon’s exhibition presence at ITMA, aufwind developed a ‘Flying Theatre’ that turned the stand into a real visitor magnet. Instead of traditional product presentations, visitors were immersed in a 3D journey through the world of Oerlikon. The combination of a motion platform, projection technology, sound and special effects created an emotional brand experience that brought complex technologies to life in a striking way and provided the perfect starting point for one-to-one discussions with customers.
The Memory Ride at Ravensburger Spieleland has transformed the popular classic game into an interactive ride experience. During the ride, visitors follow the familiar Memory® motifs through lovingly designed scenes and become part of the game themselves. Detailed theming, interactive elements, modern media and show technology, as well as a harmonious sound design, create a varied family experience that brings the concept of Memory® to life in a whole new way.
The ‘Ice Time Travel’ attraction has created a varied world of experiences for Eis-Greissler Manufaktur, guiding visitors through the history of ice in an entertaining way. At the heart of the attraction are the Flying Theatre 5D Cinema and the Eis-Greissler Express – a specially developed train simulator that complements the journey through various themed worlds. The combination of creative design, hand-made technology and multi-sensory effects makes the ‘Ice Time Travel’ a special destination for the whole family.
To mark the 50th anniversary of PistenBully, aufwind created an extraordinary trade fair experience that impressively showcased the brand’s innovative strength. At the heart of the display was the world’s first fully rotatable 5D simulator, which took visitors on an immersive 360° journey through snow-covered mountain landscapes. The trade fair presentation was complemented by interactive exhibits, a photo booth, the graphic design of the stand and the development of the anniversary website – a holistic brand experience that perfectly combined technology, emotion and innovation.
The ten-seater simulator took visitors to Automechanika 2018 on a thrilling journey through the world of the automotive industry. Developed as a custom-made design for Tenneco, the attraction became the centrepiece of the exhibition stand and conveyed the brand’s identity in an extraordinary way. From the initial concept through to design, media production and technical implementation, the result was an experience that captured attention and encouraged direct interaction with potential customers.
Attractions all in one place
Our Flying Theatres – whether as permanent installations or portable alternatives – take between 10 and 50 people on a truly unique journey. From the conceptualisation of the story and the design right through to construction and manufacture in our own production facility, we offer a one-stop service – naturally made in Germany and TÜV-certified in accordance with DIN 13814.
Immersion that inspires
Flying
Theatre
Next-generation experience simulators – featuring fully immersive 360° projection.
4D simulators / flying theatres
Universal platform suitable for any configuration, e.g. standing with a 360° projection, or with appropriate seating or special installations (for 10–50 people)
Electric actuators
For particularly realistic and dynamic movements with aufwind’s NATURAL RIDE TECHNOLOGY
3-DOF, 4-DOF, 5-DOF or 6-DOF platform.
Unique 180° or 360° flying theatre projection
Featuring state-of-the-art laser projector technology, a portable screen and an innovative 360° swivel joint for an extremely immersive experience.
70 per cent energy saving
compared with conventional simulator platforms, thanks to the innovative weight compensation system.
Tested in accordance with DIN EN 13814 byTÜV Saar.
Creative ideas. Innovative technologies. Everything from a single source.
Flying Theatre:
General information on innovative software and technology
To create a unique, immersive experience, we build a range of simulators with fully electric drive systems. The platforms can generate extreme accelerations as well as very slow movements to recreate a genuine flying sensation. The spectrum ranges from a leisurely family attraction to a highly dynamic adventure featuring extreme turns, manoeuvres and accelerations of up to 1.5G, which even surpass the thrill of a real rollercoaster. Our flying theatres are accessible to all.
Flying Theatre
Software
All platforms are 100 per cent real-time capable and can therefore be used in a wide variety of ways. Our software makes it easy to play any show and to incorporate interactive elements for each seat (e.g. collecting points, controls).
Flying Theatre
Projection technology
Whether it’s a quarter-sphere, an immersive tunnel, 180° or 360° projections – we always equip our Flying Theatres with projectors that come with a five-year warranty.
All projection systems are calibrated automatically and can be readjusted fully automatically on a daily basis.
Flying Theatre
Technology
- Electromechanical drive with maximum service life
- High-end hardware with real-time control
- Highest safety standards
- Easy maintenance
- Spare parts kit available
Flying Theatre
Effects
- Various scents
- Mist
- Soap bubbles
- Water
- Speed-dependent wind
- Light, laser and strobe effects
- Snow
- Fire
- Audio in Dolby Surround or multi-channel
Flying
Theatre with
8 to 64 seats
- Innovative flight experiences for groups of various sizes
- A unique opportunity to take visitors on immersive 3D journeys
- The perfect combination of technology and design
- Custom-made solutions for a stunning entertainment experience
- Drive technology
100% electromechanical, featuring our own
motion platform; whisper-quiet, virtually
wear- and maintenance-free- Effects integrated
2–6 Scents, Wind, Mist, Water
- Projection
Laser projectors with fully automatic camera calibration for warping and blending
- Real-time
All aufwind motion platforms are capable of real-time operation
- Standard
in accordance with DIN 13814:2019, certified by LGA Nuremberg
- Space required: 16 seats
W 9.00 m x D 5.00 m x H 5.50 m
- Space required for 24 seats
W 12.00 m x D 6.00 m x H 6.50 m
- Space required: 32 seats
W 15.00 m x D 11.00 m x H 8.00 m
- Space required: 64 seats
W 34.00 m x D 18.00 m x H 14.00 m
- Capacity per hour
160–1,280 people
- Size and age ratings
from 3 years*, 85 cm*, from 4 years, 100 cm
* with hardware-based reduced dynamic range and adapted seats
Flying Theatre Mini
2–10 seats
Projection/VR headsets
Whether it’s a quarter-sphere, an immersive tunnel, 180° or 360° projections – we always fit our Flying Theatres with projectors that come with a five-year warranty.
All projection systems are calibrated automatically and can be readjusted fully automatically on a daily basis.
- Drive technology
100% electromechanical, featuring our own
motion platform – whisper-quiet, virtually
wear- and maintenance-free- Effects integrated
Distinctive scents, wind, mist, water
- Real-time
All aufwind motion platforms are capable of real-time operation
- Projection/VR headset
Laser projectors with fully automatic camera calibration for warping and blending
Wireless VR headsets with synchronisation via Wi-Fi- Standard
in accordance with DIN 13814:2019, certified by LGA Nuremberg
- Number of seats options
2 seats, 2 standing places, 4, 6, 8 and 10 seats
- Content
Custom content or standard content
; films per show can be switched at the touch of a button
The Edeka Minden roadshow trailer
featuring the Flying Theatre Mini
This is how a Flying Theatre is created
Your personalised ride
From the initial concept through to film production, construction and programming, right through to commissioning, we develop every project as a hand-made, end-to-end solution.
Concept & Storytelling
Together, we develop the experience – from the initial idea, through the dramaturgy and visitor flow, right through to the technical concept.
Media & Simulation
Film, animation, motion and special effects are precisely synchronised to create a realistic flying experience.
Engineering & Manufacturing
The individual components of the Flying Theatre are manufactured in our production facility. We then carry out the assembly, programming and commissioning.
Testing & Commissioning
Before it opens, every attraction is thoroughly tested and fine-tuned. Only when the technology and staging work together perfectly does the Flying Theatre go into operation.
Just have a chat with
F.A.Q.s: Flying Theatre
Flying Theatre FAQ
A Flying Theatre is an immersive multimedia attraction that offers unforgettable moments of flight simulation. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and a wide range of special effects, the flight experience is extremely realistic and thrilling. Flying Theatre technology thrives on seamlessly combining various elements such as scents, wind, sounds, speed, screen projections and specific movements. Visitors are thus treated to a highly realistic flying experience. Flying theatres are also referred to as multimedia, multi-sensory and media-based flight attractions. Depending on the film projection chosen, visitors can immerse themselves in completely different worlds and experience a unique flight journey.
The first Flying Theatre was opened by Walt Disney back in 2001 at the ‘Disney California Adventure’ theme park. The Flying Theatre concept has been hugely successful from the outset, but is currently experiencing a real boom.
This highly complex technology thrives on the perfect interplay of impressive screen projections, rich audio, harmonious movement and thrilling special effects. To make the flight experience as realistic as possible, a motion system moves visitors in sync with an immersive dome projection system. The size of the screen naturally plays a further important role, which is why large, arched screens are generally used. Audio quality is also particularly important for creating a realistic sense of the flight experience, for example in Dolby Surround or multi-channel sound. Special effects such as fog, smoke, speed-dependent wind, water vapour, fire and laser effects bring the Flying Theatre Ride to life.
Depending on the available space and the required capacity (e.g. how many visitors per hour), there are various models to choose from. For example, we also offer smaller 10-seater models with a capacity of 150 to 210 people per hour, which are ideal for trade fairs or showrooms. However, on request, we also manufacture Flying Theatres for 50 people, with a capacity of up to 600 people per hour.
Our Flying Theatre models differ not only in the number of seats and passenger capacity but also in the type of projection. Whether 180°, 270° or 360°, as an immersive tunnel or quarter-sphere, with or without VR headsets – we’re sure to find a model tailored to your needs.
Flying theatre attractions are particularly common in theme parks and leisure parks. However, due to their immense popularity and ‘wow’ factor, they can now also be found, for example, at trade fairs, in showrooms, museums, large visitor centres and at live marketing events.
Flying Theatres are a major crowd-puller and consistently generate sheer excitement and unforgettable moments. They quickly break the ice with prospective customers at trade fairs or in showrooms. The high entertainment value stimulates conversation and forms the basis for valuable discussions with customers. Positive moments are automatically associated with the company’s brand, thereby strengthening brand awareness. A Flying Theatre ride can therefore be the perfect start to a strong customer relationship, with those initial moments of excitement remaining in your customer’s memory for a long time to come.
‘Immersive’ comes from ‘immersion’, which in technical terms means ‘to immerse oneself’. A virtual reality is created that feels particularly real and allows users to experience content in 360°. Directly related to this are the technologies of ‘virtual and augmented reality (VR, AR)’.
Interdisciplinary team
At aufwind, storytellers, designers, engineers, draftmen, 3D artists, media producers, sound designers and craftspeople work together on a project right from the start. This ensures that content, technology and design mesh seamlessly.
Everything is hand-made
Every Flying Theatre is tailored precisely to your project – from the story and movement profiles right through to the film, theming and special effects.
In-house media production
3D animations, films, sound design and pre-shows are all created in-house. This ensures the entire production is cohesive and can be optimally tailored to the Flying Theatre.
Experience with complex attractions
Whether it’s Flying Theatres, dark rides or simulators – we know how to plan, design and implement immersive experiences. This expertise is incorporated into every project.
Technology meets creativity
A Flying Theatre only works really well when the story, film, motion system, audio and effects work together perfectly. This is precisely what our team specializes in.
Support right through to opening day
From the initial idea through planning, design and production right up to commissioning, we support your project personally, with dedicated points of contact.