Epson
We have an Epson 10600 Ultrachrome, fantastic quality prints, but it does take some time learning to use it and find out why it bands (Run cleaning untill it's OK...), have correct profiles for the media etc. Our rip is ColorBest, can't tell you much about it, except it works. Will try and rip from Flexisign if we ever get the time, but as long as ColorBest works, what's the point?
Anyway, we tried a vinyl decal, 3x8", laminated with Oracal clear vinyl, and stuck it on our car, it only took a couple of weeks before water got in behind the laminate, it looked really bad. I tore off the laminate, left the decal, which still looks good after a couple of months in cold and rain.
So- For short term outdoor it's OK. If you need longer term; laminate and encapsulate, another post higher up mentioned putting on a bigger laminate than the decal, or maybe you can cut 1/2" strips of clear vinyl and put on to seal?
I don't know how it holds up long-time, we use the Durachrome printer for long-term stuff now. We started the business a year ago, the Epson was our first printer, we delivered some outdoor signs that we laminated and encapsulated, they still look good.
One thing to consider though- you mention simulators- aircraft? Then you will not want to use the vinyl that Epson prints on without lamination, frustrated students scratch off the print, it is matte paint, and to look good, it will have to be laminated, which makes the decal thicker...(can be hidden with encapsulating)
Merry Christmas from Norway!