The University of Dayton has Substantial Upgrade to their Simulation Suite
The Merlin Flight Simulation Suite at The University of Dayton, received a complete replacement of all computers to provide improved computation speed and latest graphics cards.
The MP521 simulator cockpit to Instructor communications were upgraded to provide headset free comms to meet Covid requirements.
The MP521 spring loaded side stick was replaced with an active 2 axis side stick from Wittenstein Motion Controls to meet the needs of the University of Dayton Research Program run by Drs.Tim and Megan Reissman, and Dr. Anne Crecelius who are part of a collaborative research project which required a motion-based flight simulator with active force feedback side stick.
The active side stick will also benefit the students who use the MP521 for undergraduate course work by adding another, important, dimension to their experience and understanding of flight mechanics, stability, and control, through practical evidence of the importance of controls harmonisation and how that function differs with disparate aircraft types.
The active control system provides the users with the ability to define specific force feedback curves comprised of up to 15 breakpoints, and functioned, via Merlin's Excalibur flight application, by dynamic pressure to provide representative control forces commensurate with aircraft type.
Department Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Professor Jamie Ervin, said:-
"I don't think any other equipment in academic circles adds as much value to student learning as does the Merlin Flight Simulator. Whether it is for a class, a competition, or for research, flying student designs in the simulator and getting feedback from test pilots is a memorable experience that brings a new dimension to experiential learning."
