G & alpha: Centrifuge Occupant Tolerance to Simultaneous High G and High Angular Acceleration
Abstract
The ability of a centrifuge operated as a Dynamic Flight Simulator to meet the response recommendations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for motion simulators is discussed. The effect on an occupant of angular acceleration artifacts produced by such an enhanced centrifuge is explored. The concern investigated herein is whether these high angular acceleration artifacts are dangerous, disorienting, or distressing. Human response tests have been conducted on the centrifuge at Wright-Patterson AFB to evaluate sensitivity to the artifacts produced by a centrifuge when operated in this rapid response mode. Results indicate the effect to be no more than a mild disturbance over the expected range of G loading and artifact magnitudes found in the next generation of centrifuges. The unique capability of a Dynamic Flight Simulator is that the pilot can be exposed to high fidelity, sustained, elevated-G levels while receiving training in flight procedures and air combat tactics. Such a capability would be expected to provide improved flying performance during the vestibular and tactile misinterpretations common during sustained acceleration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADP013878
Entities
People
- Curtis H. Spenny
- Tamara L. Chelette
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology