V/STOL Visual Flight Simulation Techniques

A continuing demand exists within industry and Government for devices which will simulate an aircraft system. Such equipment is utilized for evaluation of system design, checking vehicle response, evaluating flight controls and instrument lay out, and training flight personnel in the operation of the aircraft. Technical developments in the visual area have not kept up with the other areas that constitute a complete flight simulator. Past achievements in visual flight simulation have been largely centered around the takeoff and landing phase of conventional flight. Simulation of the V/STOL flight envelope will require many advancements, since the V/STOL visual device must have wide-angle out-the-window viewing, good low altitude image detail, and excellent response to the dynamics of the simulated vehicle. Several recent visual simulation developments are described which offer possibilities for achieving these requirements . Virtual image type displays utilize mirrors or lens to focus the image at infinity. Transparency image storage techniques provide greater visual area coverage and flexibility. Developments in optical probes or pickups offer new possibilities for the model type system of image generation. Continuing developments in television promise camera and display techniques offering better contrasts, less noise and greater better bandwidth for resolution and transmission of picture information.