Flight Simulation
Flight Simulators are used extensively by Airlines to train their flight crews, but also military flight operations and aerospace research is conducted in simulators.
Simulators provide a safe and effective environment where different flight scenarios can be rehearsed or human-aircraft interaction can be evaluated.
There are many types of flight simulators, each with a specific purpose in mind. From the relatively simple procedure trainers to the complex Full-Flight Simulators or even Spatial Disorientation Trainers (like the very advanced DESDEMONA).
A full-flight simulator typically consists of these components:
- Host Computer
- Flight Dynamics Model
- World Simulation (Ground, Weather, Other Vehicles, Air Traffic Control)
- Visual System:
- Visual Database
- Image Generator
- Display System (e.g. Projectors and Dome)
- Sound System:
- Sound Database
- Sound Generator
- Amplifiers/Speakers
- Control Loading System:
- Control Column, Pedals, Throttle
- Linkage
- Loaders/Actuators
- Force Sensors
- Control System
- Motion/Vibration System:
- Electric/Hydraulic Motion System
- Control System
- Access Ramp
- Instructor/Operator Station
