Can you feel the force?

SKF EPL has assisted Cranfield Aerospace Simulation Products Group in the development of electric actuators for motion cueing seats (G-seats).

SKF EPL has assisted Cranfield Aerospace Simulation Products Group in the development of electric actuators for motion cueing seats (G-seats) which provide training pilots with additional motion cues to develop the skills to handle modern high performance aircraft.

Only SKF EPL planetary roller screw technology achieves the performance levels required in this demanding and discerning application.

The SKF EPL planetary roller screws are used in the electric mechanisms that move the pilot's eye height and apply pressure to different parts of the body proportional to the forces experienced in flight.

The actuators are hidden within the seat, thus not affecting its visual fidelity or feel, which is critical for a realistic training aid.

G-force cues are mimicked in many ways.

The pilot's harness can be tensioned or slackened, and the seat has a back-pad that can harden or soften.

The high bandwidth of this versatile seat cueing system simulates the turbulence, buffet, gearbox rumble, gunfire and airframe vibrations experienced in all aspects of flight including autorotation and hover work for helicopters.

The G-seats are used to train pilots in Hawk, Tornado and F16 aircraft and the Apache helicopter.

A new design from Cranfield Aerospace will further extend the G-seats' capabilities in helicopter simulation.

G-seats are used independently to provide motion cues or with a motion platform to further enhance the training environment.

Pilots express their delight at the ability of this less traditional solution to motion cueing in simulation.

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