Abstract: A trainer for teaching the operation of aircraft fuel systems comprised of a fuselage frame portion and fuel tanks mounted to a platform. The trainer utilizes a fuel look-alike with a viscosity below 2.8 cs and a flashpoint above 200.degree. F.

Abstract: The experience of parachute flight is simulated including parachute release and malfunctions. The parachutist trainee is suspended in a harness and a control line provided for the parachutist to operate. The parachutist's actions are sensed by an action sensor actuated by the control line. Force and position sensors sense position and force factors effected by the parachutist. The parachutist's head motion can be tracked by a head mounted sensor. The outputs of the sensors are converted to digital signals which are fed to a computer. The computer is programmed with a mathematical and logical model of parachute dynamics and environmental factors. The computational results are displayed to the parachutist on a monitor or on a head mounted display, the scene viewed containing a variety of three dimensional representations of objects on the ground such as buildings vegetation roads, etc.

Abstract: A virtual reality system provides effective exposure treatment for psychiatric patients suffering from a particular anxiety disorder. The system is characterized by a video screen disposed in front of the patient to display an image of a specific graphical environment that is intended to trigger anxiety within the patient as a result of the particular patient phobia. A headset is worn by the patient, and has sensors disposed to detect movement and positioning of the patient's head. A computer program controls the operation of the system, and is designed to control the display of the graphical environment on the video screen, monitor the headset sensors and determine the position of the patient's head, and controllably manipulate the graphical environment displayed on the video screen to reflect the movement and position of the patient's head.

Abstract: An airborne avionics simulator system integrated into a low-cost host aircraft to simulate the avionics of a high performance aircraft. The simulated avionics system includes for example radar, radar warning, chaff, radar locks, weapons systems, electronic defensive systems, and navigation systems. The airborne avionics simulator system can be programmed with various scenarios, such as air-to-air or air-to-ground combat, navigational situations, aircraft malfunctions, and general training routines. A multi-function display provides for simulating the avionics of various high performance aircraft. Additionally, the cockpit of the host aircraft may be modified to simulate the control stick, throttle assemblies and other aspects of a particular high performance aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aircraft survivability equipment training. The disclosure is particularly directed to the use of such an apparatus and method for multiple player training aircraft with a central controller. The threats are simulated by the central controller and transmitted to each player aircraft via encoded data packets. Additionally, electronic counter measures, counter measures and weapons initiation are simulated. A predictive threat intervisibility engine provides a realistic training situation by predicting each player aircraft's "line of sight" to an updated threat list and local terrain data, as the aircraft travels. Defeated threats are determined by the central controller based on simulated electronic counter measure models, simulated weapon systems activated from weapon controls, simulated counter measures activated by counter measure controls and aircraft dynamic data from the player aircraft's navigation system.

Abstract: An enclosure having a horizon line, a scene, and lights is moved relative to a pilot to simulate vertigo during on-ground training of the pilot to overcome in-flight vertigo. Gravitational vertigo is simulated by a seat cushion inflatable to change the seated orientation of the pilot.

Abstract: A vertical free fall system is proposed where a capsule with human beings is raised pneumatically in a tube, then is released to fall down in a free fall mode inside of the tube. The capsule has some means of controlling the air flow passing across the capsule so that the rate of deceleration is controlled. In this way the capsule is able to free fall then to be decelerated to the bottom of the tube. Also the tube has means to control the flowing air by this being possible to control the deceleration of the said capsule.

Abstract: A flight simulator is disclosed which includes active electronic display controls. A simulated cockpit area is provided which includes a visual display screen for depicting a simulated cockpit viewpoint. A simulated instrument panel is provided within the cockpit area by means of a cathode ray tube display device and an overlying bezel which defines the perimeter of at least one displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device. A rotary switch which includes a rotary encoder having an output indicative of a direction of rotation and an amount of rotation is then mounted within the bezel. Outputs from the rotary switch are then coupled to electronic circuitry which is utilized to selectively vary the displayed instrument face within the cathode ray tube display device, providing a realistic representation of an actual flight instrument.

Abstract: A pilot training apparatus for selectively occluding pilot vision along a forward line of sight. The apparatus including a lens having a vision occluded region and a vision permissive region. The lens is coupled to a detent means which allows the lens to be moved from a training position where the lens is positioned in the forward line of sight of the pilot and an non-training position where the lens is positioned out of the forward line of sight of the pilot. When in the training position, the lens occludes the vision of the pilot exterior of the aircraft cockpit, while permitting the vision interior of the aircraft cockpit toward the instrument panel.

Abstract: An aircraft test system generates stimuli that emulate the stimuli received by an aircraft when in flight is disclosed. The aircraft test system includes a number of instruments for generating the number of processor-controllable instruments for generating stimuli received by an aircraft when in flight. The system also includes a number of instruments that monitor the response of the various aircraft components to the stimuli to which the aircraft is exposed. A processor in response to the output signal from the aircraft components directs the stimuli generating instruments to produce stimuli that emulate those received by the aircraft as it moves through the air. The system thus generates an initial set of stimuli similar to what an aircraft would be exposed to when in flight; monitors the response of the aircraft to the stimuli to which it is exposed; and, in response generates an updated set of stimuli to the aircraft.

Abstract: An Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Training Device for use during aircraft pilot training in conjunction with a headset having a pair of earphones supported by earphone stirrups. In its most preferred embodiment, the training device includes, at least, a mask member for partially occluding a pilot's vision, two arm members extending rearwardly from connections with opposing sides of the mask member, and headset connecting clamps for pivotally connecting the arm members to the headset stirrups, wherein the training device is supported by the headset and movable to a location up and away from a pilot's primary field of vision.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a generic Drone Control System or alternatively method to remotely pilot an air vehicle. The present invention essentially comprises a converted aircraft or other air vehicle and a ground station from where the drone is remotely controlled. Also disclosed as part of the Drone Control System are a plurality of means to transfer information and data between the ground station and the drone.

Abstract: An onboard instructor station for a training device provides a human/computer interface that is designed to support an optimum instructor's scan pattern of the training scenario. All displays and switches required to control and monitor the mission are resident at the instructor's work surface directly in front of, and tangent to the instructor's seated position. This design allows for a dedicated over-the-shoulder observation position. Therefore, the instructor may simultaneously observe trainees' actions, a visual scene and device instrumentation while controlling and monitoring the training environment through embedded situational awareness displays and corresponding switches at the work surface. The unique aspect of this design is the one position from which all tasks can be accomplished through the support provided by the packaging. This packaging employs flat panel displays which replace the traditional, larger CRT units.

Abstract: A view limiting device especially suited for use in instrument flight training and simulated instrument flying. This device is adapted to clip onto a pair of spectacles and is swingable from a first view restricting position to a second unrestricted position of the line of vision of the wearer. The device is also made to fit over an instrument procedure chart book for storage. An alternate model can be used without spectacles.

Abstract: A robust, lightweight g force trainer having low moment of inertia is powered by a relatively low horsepower motor. The trainer has an onset rate of 6 g/sec. or more and idle speed of approximately 13 rpm. The natural frequency of the trainer arm is in excess of 6 hz. The trainer includes a computerized target tracking and missile avoidance system, including a heads up display field at the pilot gondola, and a computerized medical monitor.

Abstract: An aircraft flight simulator system adaptable to an actual inoperative aircraft not in flight provides instrument displays driven by a computer flight simulator program interacting with inputs from sensors attached to the actual aircraft control system and overlay switches. The computer may also drive visual displays placed in the cockpit windshield and side windows, as well as provide audio output and output for the operation of aircraft jacks to simulate inflight motion. All equipment may be relatively quickly and easily installed or removed so as to make maximum use of an otherwise inoperative aircraft on the ground, and by the use of computer program modifications, may be used to simulate a wide variety of aircraft. Realistic control handling is provided by feedback mechanisms attached to various aircraft control surfaces and the control column and which are coupled to the computer.

Abstract: A system for training aircrews, particularly aircrews of relatively slow-moving aircraft such as helicopters in laser/electronic warfare countermeasure tactics and the use of laser/electronic warfare countermeasure equipment is provided. The system is operable with the aircraft's instruments to present the simulated threats whenever such threats are both with the line-of-sight of, and within the presentation range of the aircraft. Accordingly, such a system includes a plurality of independently operating threat-simulating transmitter units simulating both stationary and non-stationary threats by broadcasting omnidirectional radio frequency signals over a common carrier frequency. On-board equipment, carried on the aircraft determines whether the aircraft is both within the line-of-sight and within presentation range to the threat based upon receipt of the transmitter unit signals and the location of the threats relative to that of the aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating in-flight problem situations is provided. The apparatus comprises a false instrument display surface which has a false instrument reading and is adapted to cover and obscure a true instrument reading in such manner that a pilot views the false instrument reading. A method of simulating in-flight problem situations during flight in a airplane having a pilot and an instructor is also provided and uses a display of a false instrument reading.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for training pilots in the operation of aircraft. The apparatus includes a means for generating a generally horizontal air stream mounted on movable support means. The air stream means and support means are tethered to an aircraft and their movement is responsive to movement of the aircraft during flight training.

Abstract: An inflight IFR procedures simulator for generating signals and commands to conventional instruments provided in an airplane. The simulator includes a signal synthesizer which generates predetermined simulated signals corresponding to signals normally received from remote sources upon being activated. A computer is connected to the signal synthesizer and causes the signal synthesizer to produce simulated signals responsive to programs fed into the computer. A switching network is connected to the signal synthesizer, the antenna of the aircraft, and navigational instruments and communication devices for selectively connecting instruments and devices to the synthesizer and disconnecting the antenna from the navigational instruments and communication device. Pressure transducers are connected to the altimeter and speed indicator for supplying electrical signals to the computer indicating the altitude and speed of the aircraft.

Abstract: A gravity protective system for pilots including a pressurized suit and a control system therefor for regulating the pressure in the suit in response to variations in acceleration along the thoracic axis of the pilot. Signals indicative of acceleration along the vertical axis of the aircraft and cosine function of the tilt angle of the pilot's seat are combined with a derivative function of their product to produce a control signal for regulating the air pressure within the suit. A threshold control limits regulation to acceleration above a predetermined level, and a feedback circuit from the suit ensures rapid response without oscillation.

Abstract: A flight simulator displays control choices on an out-the-window display allows a crew member to control it directly by making selections of displayed choices through a "point and click" control module accessible by the crew member while located in the crew station. The simulator can be controlled by either of two crew members and also by an operator at an instructor operator station outside the crew station.