Prototyping of aircraft flight simulator platform using linear actuators

Abstract

This research is aimed to build a prototype of an airplane flight simulator platform. This prototype platform will be used as a foundation of the complete flight simulator, including cockpit of training aircraft, image screen, control panel, instrument panel and other accessories of the simulator. The Microsoft Flight Simulator (FSX) is used as flight simulator program because it has ability to communicate and transfer the necessary data of simulated aircraft to the controller. The platform is controlled to move along with the simulated plane in the program in three directions that are r.oll, pitch and vertical shock of the aircraft. The motion of platform is controlled by the moment of three liner actuators. These three linear actuators must be controlled simultaneously to make the platform in the same position and acceleration of the plane in the computer. This flight simulator is intended to use in the class room for aeronautical engineering student at Suranaree University of Technology.