[simpits-tech] Lo Mid Hi Fidelity

[KD]

On Wed, 27 Sep 2006 09:46:54 -0700 (PDT),  
<simpits-tech-request at simpits.org> wrote:

Ido,

There are several different definitions of what fidelity is in sim  
cockpits. FAA has it's own, there is one for the military, and we have our  
own which relates usually to contractual specifications that vary with  
each one.

So, when I say "Low Fidelity" what I mean would be minimal controls having  
to do with basic flight, not necessarily an exact replica of any  
particular aircraft, but having at least basic controls for what one would  
be trying to learn in the simulator. Visuals are usually limited to a  
monitor out the windscreen, and sounds are basic for things like gear and  
flaps. In the cockpit, software aside, it would be something like an  
Akers-Barnes or one of those metal frames with a seat and a monitor with  
shelves to put your HOTAS and pedals.

"Mid" or "Medium Fidelity" in my experience, would be a replica at least  
in shape of a particular aircraft. Flight instruments and controls would  
be there and in the right relative locations as whatever aircraft is being  
simulated. Instruments are usually displayed on LCD panels behind a bezel  
that represents the aircraft. Out the window views might be wider,  
possibly a dome or collimated to give better immersion to the trainee.  
Motion might have an extra DOF, like heave or it might have more degrees  
of travel. This would have more cockpit details, like panels and controls  
that may not function, but they would be represented to give a bit better  
immersion. The flight nodel would be less generic also. Something more  
like some of the WIP Falcon cockpits I have seen out there where there are  
stickers instead of actual side panels, with maybe one or two switches in  
the side panels if they are needed.

"High Fidelity" is where my next work project lives. When I say high" I  
mean "feels like someone parked an F-whatever in my garage, and I'm flying  
it" All instruments and flight controls exist and are in the right spots  
so that a pilot familiar with the type can find them right where he  
expects them to be. We don't usually make all of these active depending on  
the contract. For instance, I haven't yet had to figure out how to  
ramp-start an F-18 woth the correct magnetically held switch for the  
starter. Usually our sims are intended to be used to teach spatial  
disorientation and unusual attitude recovery, not ramp starts or emergency  
procedures like hydraulic failures. Either way, the switches and controls  
are at least there and in the right spot. So, in an F-18, you might not be  
able to pull and turn the landing gear handle for emergency extension, but  
the handle feels right when you are using it normally. Sort of like Gene  
is working on, or like some of Chris Woodul's cockpits.

When you start talking FAA Level D, you have basically an EXACT replica of  
a cockpit on a motion base with visuals that encompass everything you  
could see out the windows of the cockpit. Generally, everything in one of  
those does what it would do in a real aircraft. If there is a button that  
squirts water on the windows and gos "ding" when it does it, then there is  
a dinging window washer button in the sim. And if the aircraft slows 2  
knots and pitches down half a degree when you press the dinger, the sim  
wil replicate that too.

So, I hope that wasn't too rambly for everyone. I'm going to go try again  
to go cut some wood. My Yak-3 is calling me for a flight tonight. It might  
be time to go smash a couple BF-109s.

Anybody else around here fly IL-2?

K




>
> can you give a short explanation on what the diference between a
> low/med/high fidility sim is ?
> even a link would be great ?
>
> Thanks
>
> Ido
>