The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, is set to open a new immersive VR installation in summer 2026, featuring two ParadropVR Pods – a motion-based platform combining physical movement with virtual reality content to create a high-fidelity sensation of flight.
The new installation will introduce visitors to an interactive airborne mission experience designed to complement the museum’s existing simulators, cockpit trainers and aviation exhibits.
Matt Wells, CEO of Frontgrid, said: “The National Naval Aviation Museum is an incredible setting for this kind of experience. ParadropVR complements their existing simulators and exhibits by adding a new, interactive element that is both accessible and engaging. It gives people an exhilarating experience, whilst being approachable for all the family – and gives the sense of being on a mission in a way a static exhibit simply can’t. Having started my career as a paratrooper in the British Army, it’s particularly rewarding to bring an airborne-themed experience into a venue dedicated to aviation history in a way that feels authentic and respectful.”
Rear Admiral Kyle Cozad, USN (Ret.), President and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation said: “The Paradrop VR experience gives our visitors the chance to feel the adrenaline, anticipation and excitement of a simulated parachute jump in a safe and immersive environment. Experiences like this help bring the spirit of Naval Aviation and adventure to life in an entirely new way for our visitors.”
Frontgrid specialises in creating bespoke VR experiences tailored to specific venues, themes and audiences. The ParadropVR platform can be adapted to deliver custom content for museums, visitor attractions and entertainment venues worldwide.
Matt Wells said: “We now have ParadropVR installations in sixteen countries worldwide. This is the third military museum to feature it. We also have very successful installations at the National Infantry Museum, also in the USA and the RAF Museum in the UK. ParadropVR is simply such a good fit as a way of offering a unique experience which appeals to all the family. It is a futuristic way of retelling historical events, in effect time travelling and exploring environments from the sky, bringing the narrative of other exhibits to life.”
