Fraunhofer IWS
Aerospike Rocket Engine
AR Application
The Challenge
For the Fraunhofer IWS, an interactive AR application was developed using Unreal Engine to communicate the functionality of a compact Aerospike rocket engine.
The goal was to create an engaging and intuitive way for trade fair visitors to explore a highly complex technical system — making advanced aerospace engineering accessible, understandable, and visually compelling.
Our Approach
A detailed 3D model of the rocket engine was designed and aligned to a custom marker, developed by THEAFOX and applied to a physical stand.
Using a tablet-based AR experience, visitors could view the engine anchored in real space and explore it interactively. Instead of a passive presentation, users were invited to engage directly with the content: moving around the engine, examining it from all angles, and accessing additional information.
Interactive features included:
- Contextual information layers and slides integrated into the scene
- A dynamic cross-section function, controlled by the user's movement with the tablet
- Visualizations of internal processes such as cooling fluid flows
- Detailed views into the combustion chamber and fuel reaction
The application was designed to support presenters at the booth, while also allowing visitors to independently explore the technology.
The Result
An immersive AR experience that makes complex aerospace engineering tangible and easy to understand.
The application demonstrates how a 3D-printed Aerospike rocket engine can be built significantly smaller and more efficient than conventional propulsion systems — turning abstract engineering concepts into a clear, interactive experience for a broad audience.
At the same time, the experience is fun to discover and especially effective for less technically experienced investors, helping them quickly grasp the key advantages without requiring deep prior knowledge.