R&D Brief Vol 5. Num. 18b November 10, 2008   Virtual Reality Center provides tools online   The Virtual Reality Center (VRC) at Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR)performs interactive visualization and simulation for design decision and collaboration in areas such as conception, engineering, certification, manufacturing and marketing.   The lab’s website has several resources available for download including a video demonstrating VRC’s full immersive simulation capabilities and an interior configurator.   The video shows manager Fernando Toledo using the VRC’s head-mounted display, manipulation gloves and optical and electromagnetic motion tracking systems to perform a virtual assembly and disassembly of aircraft parts in real time.   Using the 3DVIA Virtools interior configurator, users can interact with a virtual aircraft interior to select and change the aircraft’s carpet, seat upholstery, wall color and wood finish in real time.   Other downloadable resources include a VRC information sheet, research papers and tutorial presentations on various VR capabilities.   For more information about NIAR’s Virtual Reality Center visit the website at http://www.niar.wichita.edu/vrc or contact Fernando Toledo (316) 978-8333. The National Institute for Aviation Research is a prestigious state-of-the-art aerospace research and development laboratory with global reach and expertise in research, design, testing, and certification. The Institute’s clientele includes many of the world’s aerospace manufacturers, NASA and the FAA. It is the largest aviation R&D academic institution in America.  The National Institute for Aviation Research is an unincorporated division of Wichita State University.