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Frontgrid and Simworx to launch ‘world first’, ParadropVR at EAS 2017

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A new name to the attractions industry, Frontgrid, has partnered with well-known dynamic simulation attractions specialist Simworx to introduce a brand new, world first product – ParadropVR – to the market. It will be launched at EAS 2017 in Berlin.

ParadropVR™ (patent pending) is an IP protected, immersive, virtual reality (VR) attraction featuring integrated gamification which allows the user to fully control the game play andparadropvr logo movement. Developed by the UK based Frontgrid team led by co-founders David Wood and Matt Wells,  Chairman and Chief Executive respectively, ParadropVR™ provides a truly immersive VR experience. It simulates flying a paraglider, with up and down motion that incorporates sudden drops and smooth deceleration to create a realistic feeling of gliding through the skies.

The ride also features an interactive game element controlled by the participant, with points awarded to each individual rider as they make their way ‘back down to earth’ via a series of targets through which they must fly to score maximum points.

World first, iconic adventure experiences

Multiple theming and content options are on offer.  Furthermore, a modular design provides high hourly capacity and low operating costs. This makes ParadropVR ideal for operation in a wide range of venues. These include including theme parks, FECs, shopping malls, destination attractions, cinemas, bowling locations, cruise ships and more. It is also an ideal attraction for the events and mobile sector.

paradropvr simworx frontgrid

The creation of Frontgrid was something of a natural step for the co-founders. Wood is a business leader, entrepreneur, investor and former British Army Special Forces (SAS) Officer. Wells is also an experienced business leader and entrepreneur. In addition he has with extensive board level experience gained in the leisure, software, expedition and adventurous activity sectors.

A former British Army Paratrooper and a passionate and energetic lifelong adventurer, Wells commented: “Our mission is to create world first, iconic adventure experiences with strong brands and protectable IP, underpinned by disruptive, high growth, high return business models. We are delighted to have partnered with Simworx, a world leader in its field, to create and bring to market the first of our experiences. And of course we are excited to be launching ParadropVR™ at this year’s EAS. It’s a totally new concept and I’m sure it will create much interest among operators when revealed at the show.”

Standard configurations of the attraction will be four to 12 rider units, in line or double. There will be six to 20 rider units in a circular layout.

ParadropVR – Key specifications

• Each unit measures 2.5 x 2.5 x 4.5m.

• Minimum rider height – 1.2m

• Maximum rider weight – 25st (160kg).

• Ride/game time – approximately 2 minutes

• Total hourly ride capacity (THRC) for the four to 12 rider in line or double units – 80 to 240; THRC for the six to 20 rider circular units – 120 to 400

A press conference to officially announce the launch of ParadropVR™ will take place at EAS. This will be on Wednesday, September 27th in the press room at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Centre.

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Charles Read

Charles is managing director at blooloop. He attends numerous trade shows around the world and frequently speaks about trends and social media for the attractions industry at conferences. Outside of blooloop, his passions are diving, trees and cricket.

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