Modern Flight Training Devices for G-Load Simulation and Spatial Awareness

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the devices used to effectively train pilots of modern fighter aircraft, as well as their potential application in astronautics. Pilots and astronauts require extensive and specialized training, and this research examines a human centrifuge and a spatial disorientation trainer, which have been designed for training and material testing purposes. The paper delves deeper into the direct kinematics of the centrifuge and the device that causes spatial disorientation in the pilot. Human centrifuge is a high-performance device that can achieve an onset rate of 9G in just 1 s, simulating longitudinal, lateral, and vertical G-loads on the occupant for state-of-the-art training. The centrifuge is modeled as a three-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator, while the spatial disorientation trainer provides four degrees of freedom of motion. The Denavit-Hartenberg convention is used to establish coordinate systems. Homogeneous transformation matrices are provided. Training is ensured to be accurate and efficient by using the pilot’s head as the end-effector, at the intersection of the roll, pitch, and yaw axes. The paper presents advanced devices that enable the simulation of complex supermaneuvers and sustained G-loads, which could be used for astronaut training in the future.