Fidelity Analysis of ATFS Series 400 G-FET II Motion-Based Flight Simulator

摘要

The purpose of this research was to analyze the fidelity of the ATFS400X centrifuge-based motion flight simulator. A survey was conducted during an event organized by Environmental Tectonics Corporation (ETC). The survey results were gathered and an overall pilot opinion of the ATFS400X was obtained. It was found that due to the physics of the centrifuge on which the ATFS400X is built, a high level of motion cueing fidelity can not be obtained for the purposes of authentic tactical combat flight simulation. This is due to frequent miscommunications with the brain about how the body is being moved by the visual and vestibular systems. These miscommunications cause spatial disorientation and motion sickness, hindering the effectiveness of training. Also, it was found that pilot acceptance is affected by the quality of visual cueing presented to them in the simulator. Specifically, they require adequate resolution and field of view. The ATFS400X was inadequate in these areas; however improvements can be made in the future.