Amazing Flight Simulator Can Barrel Roll and Replicate G-Forces
This 360-degree, full-motion flight simulator is the most impressive we’ve ever seen an individual build.
Flight simulators are one of the earliest types of computer “games,” and even predate 3D graphics on home computers. It’s easy to understand why: many of us dream of flying a plane, but few of us can actually afford to do so. A flight simulator provides at least a small taste of that experience. Of course, complex flight simulators exist that attempt to more accurately reproduce the feeling of flying. The military uses them, and you may have seen one at a fancy arcade. This amazing 360 degree, full-motion flight simulator is, however, the most impressive we’ve ever seen an individual build.
This incredible flight simulator was constructed by André Pointner, who described some of the build process on the X-Sim forums and a series of YouTube videos. His simulator is capable of spinning 360 degrees on the axis parallel to the plane’s path for complete barrel rolls, and can tilt forward and backwards to simulate climbing and diving. Those can, of course, be combined during flight to simulate the sensation of being in an actual plane. It even has a special belt-tensioning system that can replicate the feeling of g-forces on the body under hard acceleration. When the pilot is hard on the throttle, for example, the belts will pull them back against the seat.
All of that capability is integrated into the DIY indoor flight simulator. It was constructed from welded steel and is actuated by heavy duty electric motors. André is quick to point out that it’s important that the belt-tensioning motors not be too powerful. They’re pulling against your body, and it is entirely possible for them to seriously injure a person. For the most immersive experience, the simulator is paired with an HTC Vive virtual reality headset. The movements of the motors are synced up to the flight simulator by the X-Sim motion software. André doesn’t provide enough detail for you to duplicate his build — that would probably be a liability, but we can marvel at his engineering skill and dedication to the hobby.