AI Group has strengthened its position in the simulation market, by acquiring computer graphics company, Stormfront Digital Pictures.

AI has acquired the entire asset base of Stormfront, including its copyrights and intellectual property, which includes the award winning simulator ridefilm, ‘The Millennium Bug.’

Stormfront specilises in computer animation and special effects for broadcast, film, multimedia and simulation and will continue to work from its studios in Sheffield, England, supporting the creative development of ridefilm content for AI’s simulation projects. The founder of Stormfront, Benjamin Smith, will take over a new role as AI Group creative director, with specific responsibility for its ridefilm content, production and output.

The consolidation of Stormfront into the AI Group will enable the company to offer complete turnkey simulation systems, including manufacture and system integration, plus specialist content and design.

Chief executive of AI group, Nigel Brown, says the acquisition will enable his company to offer clients an economical, bespoke content production and grow its ridefilm library by at least three titles a year.

Working in conjunction with Stormfront, AI has won the contract to supply a 60 seat effects theatre and a 20 seat Morphis simulator to Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The new multimillion dollar air museum, scheduled to open in Spring 2004, will be themed on aviation past, present and future and include a number of flight-related rides. Both simulators will feature high-resolution 3D visual displays and feature full surround sound and motion.

Commenting on the deal, Brown said, “I believe an important factor [in winning this deal] was the strength of our engineering and manufacturing facilities together with our creative skills in the development of content and themeing.”

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