Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{197004,
        author = {Shrish Dophe},
        title = {Design and Implementation of a Low-Cost Immersive FPV Drone Simulator Using Game Engine Integration and VR-Based Control},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {5581-5587},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=197004},
        abstract = {The rapid advancement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has created a growing demand for effective and safe pilot training systems. However, traditional drone training methods are associated with high costs, safety risks, and regulatory constraints, while existing simulation platforms often lack realism and accessibility. This paper presents the design and implementation of a low-cost, high-fidelity First-Person View (FPV) drone simulator that integrates a game engine-based environment, hardware-based control, and virtual reality (VR) technology. The proposed system utilizes Grand Theft Auto V enhanced with the NaturalVision Evolved modification to generate a photorealistic simulation environment. A FlySky FS-i6 transmitter is interfaced through a USB flight simulator adapter to provide real-time control inputs, closely mimicking real-world drone operation. Additionally, a VR-based visualization module delivers immersive FPV experiences, improving spatial awareness and pilot response. Experimental evaluation demonstrates that the system significantly enhances user engagement, control precision, and training efficiency compared to conventional simulators. The proposed solution offers a scalable, cost-effective, and risk-free platform suitable for educational, research, and professional UAV training applications.},
        keywords = {FPV Drone Simulator, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Virtual Reality (VR), Game Engine Simulation, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Drone Training Systems, Immersive Simulation, FlySky FS-i6, GTA V Simulation},
        month = {April},
        }