Flight Simulators
Our laboratory has two flight simulators that are frequently used in our aviation research. The software used with these simulators is Microsoft® Flight Simulator1 and X-Plane®2.
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The latest flight simulator is set in a fibreglass cab (Photo 1). Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 is controlled with Precision Flight Control's Cirrus II Flight Console – fully functional analog flight controls featuring all electrical switches, flaps, gear, carb heat, and throttle quadrant, along with a heavy-duty metal yoke (Photo 2). Flight instruments are presented on two 15" LCD flat panel monitors and can be configured to show a radio stack or moving-map GPS. The external view is produced by a high-resolution NEC WT600 short-throw projector and is viewed through a glass windshield.
The simulator is linked to an instructor's station where the simulation can be fully controlled (Photo 3). A continuous read out of aircraft performance and position is available, along with real-time physiological measures of the pilot's heart rate, respiration rate, etc.
An article about this flight simulator was published in the Otago Daily Times. Click the photo below to view the PDF article and accompanying photo3. |
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This flight simulator consists of an Athlon XP3000 computer with 3-screen graphics output. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 (Photo 1), Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 (Photo 2), and X-Plane 6.50 (Photo 3) are controlled with Precision Flight Control's Cirrus II Flight Console. |
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1Microsoft product screen shots reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation.
2X-Plane screen shot reprinted with permission from Laminar Research.
3Article republished from the Otago Daily Times of August 18, 2005, with permission.
