Imagine paragliding around one of the world’s most vibrant cities, darting between skyscrapers as you take in the sights. That vision is about to become a (virtual) reality thanks to the ParadropVR City Flyer from Frontgrid.
Visitors to King Power Mahanakhon in Bangkok will be able to take the world’s first self-controlled VR flight around a major city when ParadropVR City Flyer launches at the striking 78-story skyscraper this summer.
Riders on the simulator attraction will sit in a suspended paragliding harness wearing a VR headset. Using a full range of controls, they will be able to fly around a 4km area of the Thai metropolis rendered in virtual reality. Sound and wind effects will add to the realistic flying effect. In addition, the whole experience will be ‘gameified’ for an additional layer of fun and exhilaration.
King Power Mahanakhon – mixed-use architectural landmark
ParadropVR City Flyer will be located on the fourth floor of King Power Mahanakhon, Thailand’s tallest building until last year. Located at the heart of Bangkok’s central business district, the architectural landmark – as pictured below – towers 314-metres above Chong Nonsi BTS station. The mixed use development is home to the Ritz-Carlton Residence, King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk and various retail offerings.
“To be part of such an iconic new development is a real honour,” says Frontgrid CEO and Co-Founder, Matt Wells. “By combining bespoke VR content with a skill-based game and self-controlled physical movement, ParadropVR City Flyer gives destination-based visitor attractions an opportunity to engage guests in a completely new and exciting way.”
A turnkey attraction for a wide range of venues
According to Wells, each CityFlyer experience is personalised and no two passengers will ever take the same route. Offered on a full turnkey basis, Frontgrid will manage everything from production and integration of media content to installation and supervision. The attraction is available in configurations from 4 to over 40 seats. From airports and shopping malls to cultural and heritage attractions, ParadropVR City Flyer is suitable for a wide range of venues.
The new attraction concept is an evolution of Frontgrid’s ParadropVR paragliding simulator, as seen in the video below. This can already be experienced in a selection of European locations, including The Bear Grylls Adventure and Brighton Palace Pier in the UK and Denmark’s Universe Science Park.
Images courtesy ParadropVR and King Power Mahanakhon