The
main structure of the simulator comprises of 21 mobile
segments which interlock using special wing bolts to hold
the parts tightly together. Each section is small enough
to fit through a standard 30" doorway. The floor
(7'x 8') is divided into four equal parts, onto which
every other section is built upon. The forward area
consists of two similar parts which take their shape
around and above the two rudder-wells. The separate
pedestal easily slides in between these two and is bolted
in. On top of this forward assembly lies the single-piece
glareshield which connects to the top of the two
rudder-well parts. To either side of this whole front
area lie two identical structures which make up the
joystick bases, side walls and rear windows in the
cockpit. Mounted directly behind the aft section of these
are the two vertical columns which give the simulator
vertical support for the ceiling and have one horizontal
spar each which extends forward to the front of the
cockpit. The centre post, similar in shape to the
refueling boom of the KC-135, attaches to the glareshield
and separates the forward viewing area into two halves.
It also forms the top of the windows. Next, a rectangular
ceiling piece is laid down, connected to the strong
vertical columns, and angled downwards appropriately.
Likewise, the forward ceiling piece is then placed in
position. Two angled upper walls join the vertical
columns with each side of the boom, continuing upward to
the ceiling sections. To finish it off, an aft ceiling is
placed behind the vertical columns and the two rear walls
and door structure are bolted together and put into
place. All this, by the way, can be done within one half
hour!
Panels
There
are four panels which are installed in the cockpit. These
are the pedestal, main, glareshield and overhead panels.
They are built using the latest technology to realisticly
replicate the various instruments, gauges, buttons, knobs
and switches found in the A320. Real toggle switches and
knobs are also installed for more realism. Nearly every
button, display, and knob lights up to give the
surrounding cabin environment an orange glow. To give a
protective finish, all four panels are covered by
plexiglass. The thrust levers, pitch trim wheels, flap
lever, speedbrake lever, landing gear lever and gravity
gear extension handle are all realisticly shaped, built
and movable. All the panels are also removable for easy
access and maintence if needbe.
Flight
Control System
The
flight control system, at present, comprises of two
identical Suncom F-15E Talon joysticks controlled from a
switchbox. Both joysticks are fully programmable with 12
buttons. The rudders are constructed from wood, drawer
slides, springs and steel axles, and will soon be hooked
up to a computer rudder set(CH Product). This gives both
the Captain and First Officer rudder control while only
one of them has stick control, determined by the
switchbox. Future implication of the throttle quadrant is
in the planning stage right now.
The
Future
Some
of the features currently in development for future
application towards the cockpit include: as mentioned
above, a live throttle; the EAS(Expandable Aft Section)
for demonstrations, and an overall better outside
appearance. These will, however, take some time to
implement, so keep tuned in for new and better simulator
features!
