Abstract: A dynamic flight simulator control system for enhancing flight realism to a ilot with regard to his perception and response to the linear forces and angular motions generated by a gimballed force and motion platform at the end of a rotating arm. Flight commands generated by controls identical to those in a specified aircraft and operated by the pilot as if flying are converted to the forces and motions predetermined for the aircraft and translated into simulator command signals which regulate the angular velocity of the arm and the roll and pitch of the platform. The perceived angular motions for both the aircraft pilot and the simulator pilot are predicted by computers pre-programmed with mathematical models of their human angular sensor responses and any difference is minimized by iteratively adjusting coefficients in the simulator command signals for predetermined weighting factors based on the individual pilot's preference.

Abstract: Spatial disorientation trainer-flight simulator wherein a cockpit is gimballed on three independently-controlled axes, i.e., pitch, roll and yaw, which revolve about a planetary axis. Rotation of the cockpit about the planetary axis is controlled by a remote console computer. Rotation of the cockpit about the pitch and roll axes is controlled by an on board cockpit computer alone or in combination with the console computer. Rotation of the cockpit about the yaw axis is controlled by the console computer alone or in combination with the cockpit computer. Slip rings are employed at the planetary and yaw axes so as to provide 360.degree. cockpit rotation about each axis. Rotation about each of the pitch, roll and yaw axes is effected by a high torque direct drive dc motor under control of the computers. Smooth, continuous motor operation is possible over a wide range of speeds, including sub-threshold speeds not detectable by the pilot.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating the loads acting on the arms of an aircraft pilot under high G conditions including a first torque motor of pancake-like configuration attached to the flight suit near the elbow area of the pilot. A second torque motor positioned near the pilot's waist operates through a tether line to apply a force to the shoulder of the pilot. With both torque motors operating, the upper and lower arms of the pilot are loaded in a manner to simulate the effect of acceleration loading of primary consequence, +Gz.

Abstract: An improved G-seat system for providing kinesthetic cues to the operator of a vehicle simulator in which the motion sensations associated with the "G" forces are simulated by the motion of a single seat plate (62) having a pair of passive thigh ramps (78) mounted thereon and the variation in the degree of inflation of thin bladders (82A,B) which overlie the seat plate. Raised surfaces (80) may be provided on the plate beneath the ischial tuberosity region of the operator to increase the dynamic range of perceived g-loading effects. A backrest plate (92) may be provided for motion in conjunction with the seat plate and a thin bladder (128) may likewise be provided theron. Driven radial elements (108,110) may then be positioned on the lower part of the backrest plate to augment pressure cues at selected areas of the operator's back.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simulating acceleration forces on the head and helmet of a pilot of a vehicle simulator. A device for producing those forces (10) is positioned unobtrusively in the cockpit of the simulator. An apparatus (22, 80) is provided which inconspicuously interconnects the force-producing device and the pilot's helmet (14) after the pilot has seated himself in the vehicle simulator. After the helmet and force-producing device have been inter-connected, a drive sequence is implemented which drives the force-producing device to provide forces to the helmet of the pilot in a manner which simulates the experience of the actual acceleration forces of the vehicle being simulated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating the loss of vision in a subject, which occurs for example under sustained high "G" loading, using an optical element 12 such as a visor with variable optical characteristics ranging from opaque to transparent. An oculometer 18 monitors at least one of the subject's eyes and provides a signal representative of its line of sight. This signal is fed to a computer 56 which calculates a pattern of opacity, light scattering transmissivity and transparency and controls the screen accordingly to produce such a pattern simulative of the visual effects which occur during loss of vision.

Abstract: A device for providing acceleration cues to the helmet of a simulator pilot. Pulleys are attached to both shoulders of the pilot. A cable is attached to both sides of the helmet and extends through the pulleys to a takeup reel that is controlled by a torque motor. Control signals are applied to a servo system including the torque motor, the takeup reel and a force transducer which supplies the feedback signal. In one embodiment of the invention the force transducer is in the cable and in another it is in the takeup reel.

Abstract: An acceleration cueing simulation device is disclosed for applying sustai, as well as dynamic, acceleration forces to a trainee pilot as he operates an aircraft simulator. The acceleration cueing device comprises a pair of Helmholtz coils for generating a uniform magnetic field; an aircraft control device for generating a control data signal which is responsive to simulated flight maneuvers performed by the trainee pilot; and a computer system for producing a plurality of digital logic signals which are in response to the control data signal. The plurality of digital logic signals, when converted to analog signals, will energize a plurality of coils which are embedded in a suit and a helmet worn by the trainee pilot. When the trainee pilot is within the magnetic field generated by the Helmholtz coils, the coils embedded within the suit and the helmet provide a plurality of simulated acceleration forces which are exerted upon the trainee pilot.