GB577566A - Improvements in method of and apparatus for simulating aeroplane flight sensations - Google Patents

Abstract

577,566. Optical projection apparatus. FLIGHT TRAINING RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, Inc. Oct. 12, 1943, No. 16717. Convention date, Dec. 15, 1942. [Class 97 (i)] [Also in Groups XV and XXXIII] An apparatus for giving an impression of flight in an aeroplane, for training or amusement purposes, comprises a fixed pilot's station, a number of control elements simulating aeroplane controls, and an optical projection apparatus arranged to project on a screen mounted in front of the pilot's station a representation of earth and sky prepared upon a transparency, mounted so that it is adjustable transversely to the axis of projection and is also adjustable angularly about an axis parallel to the optical axis of the projection apparatus, and means adapted to operate under the control of the said control elements and arranged so that operation of one of the control elements causes the transparency to receive a continuous transverse movement whilst operation of another control element causes the transparency to receive an angular movement, whereby the representation of earth and sky is caused to move in a manner corresponding to the apparent movement of the horizon which would occur in an actual aeroplane as the result of the operation of the controls. In the construction shown, a fuselage is provided with dual control wheels C, c, mounted for rotary and longitudinal axial movement, dual pedals D, D<1> and d, d<1>, a throttle control E and stabiliser control F, a panoramic picture being projected from an endless film g by a reflector G on to a screen B shaped to give a field of view similar to a normal windscreen. Operation of the dummy controls imparts movements to the film to modify the picture projected on to the screen, thus imparting visual impressions to the pupil similar to those he would receive from looking through the windscreen of a moving aircraft. The film g passes over rollers carried by the framework J<3> of a carriage J which is movable along rails H<2> on a turntable H, the latter being mounted on a vertical shaft H<1>. Rotation of either of the control wheels C, c causes corresponding rotation of a clever N, Fig. 11, through a cable K to operate the switch OS of a motor O, Fig. 2. This motor is coupled to the vertical shaft H<1>, rotation of which turns the table H carrying the film g, resulting in tilting of the horizon of the picture projected on to the screen, thus simulating banking of the aircraft. Longitudinal movement of either of the control wheel shafts K, k rotates a lever L, Fig. 10, actuating a switch MS controlling a motor M, Fig. 2, geared to a spiral edged cam . M<4>, rotation of which moves the film carriage.J along the turntable rails, H<2>, thus displacing the film g transversely and causing the horizon of the projected picture to be raised or lowered, simulating diving or climbing of the aircraft. Similar movement of the control lever L and of the picture may be obtained by actuation of the stabiliser control F. The rudder pedals D, D<1> and d, d<1> operate interconnected rotary discs P, p, Fig. 11, the former of which carries a switch QS controlling a motor Q, not shown, which through gearing Q<2>, Q<3> drives a flexible shaft Q connected to the film driving sprocket. Rudder operation thus results in longitudinal movement of the film, causing displacement of the panoramic picture to simulate turning of the aircraft. A modification is described in which the control wheels C, c are replaced by joysticks, the picture being projected from a transparency in the form of a rotatable cylinder, mounted on a frame capable of imparting vertical and tilting movements to the transparency.