The Large Radius Track Centrifuge Concept as an Acceleration Research and Simulation Device

Anticipated high agility aircraft will require pilot training and acceleration research to investigate the human capacity to function in the projected environment. Existing man-rated centrifuges and fixed-base simulators are capable of imposing only a portion of the entire envelope of accelerations, and often produce significant artifactual accelerations and illusions. Simulations and engineering analysis of a large radius track centrifuge indicate such a device could impose an acceleration environment suitable for training and research. The technology required for the concept is estimated to be feasible in the near future.