The design, implementation and analysis of a low cost flight simulator using RMC's 3DOF motion platform

Flight simulation is extensively used by the Canadian Forces for the training of pilots. The flight simulators in use often feature 6 degrees of freedom motion platforms and exhibit high levels of realism. In this study, a low cost flight simulator was designed and implemented using a 3 degree of freedom motion platform with low cost, commercially available components. The objective of this work was to investigate the merits and shortfalls of such a system. This document describes the design, implementation and analysis of this system.;The empirical analysis of the system using an inertial measurement unit and the ratings obtained through a pilot validation exercise indicate that low cost 3 degrees of freedom flight simulator have potential for flight training.;Central to this work was the classical washout filter (WF) algorithm, a widely adopted motion cueing algorithm used to generate the platform's motion. An inertial measurement unit was used to study and optimize the classical WF algorithm. Finally, the system was assessed by collecting pilot ratings through a pilot validation exercise. Results showed that most pilots were satisfied by the system and that the addition of motion to flight simulation greatly enhanced flight simulation. Pilots also identified areas for improvements and potential applications for the flight simulator developed in this study.