Specifications

CT Corsair Final Report May 2, 2014
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Instrument Panel – A display of multiple gauges, sensor displays, gyroscopic displays, and
other flight data displays located in front of, or near, the pilot. The instrument panel provides the
pilot with all of the available information about his or her aircraft at any given time.
I/O – Stands for Input/Output. IO is communication between a processer and the world. Inputs
are received data and outputs are sent data.
Lateral axis, transverse axis, or pitch axis – an axis running from the pilot's left to right in a
piloted aircraft, and parallel to the wings of a winged aircraft.
Longitudinal axis, or roll axis – an axis drawn through the body of the vehicle from nose to tail
in the normal direction of flight.
Simulator Base – the platform upon which the simulator cockpit rests. All of the motion-
simulating components of the simulator, such as the motors, are mounted on the motion base.
Pitch angle – designated as the angle of the simulator’s nose with respect to the ground.
Prepar3D
®
– Flight simulation software package developed by Lockheed Martin and Microsoft
®
Programmable Logic Controller -- A microcomputer typically used in precision machining
applications to provide location feedback data to a CNC program. The Phase 1 project team
utilized it as a simple motor control module.
Resting Position – The non-operational position of the simulator, where the cockpit is lowered
to rest on its support rings.
Roll angle – designated as the angle of the simulator’s sides with respect to the ground.
Scissor Arms – The diagonally-mounted arms comprising the part of the simulator’s shock-
absorbing system. They are split into two categories – upper scissor arms, comprising the direct
link to the mounting ring for the cockpit, and the lower scissor arms, comprising the direct link
to the shock springs and motion base.
Shock Springs – The springs mounted on the motion base, linked to the lower scissor arms. The
shock springs provide shock-absorbing capability to the motion base and assist the actuating
arms in maintaining the zero-position when raised for operation.
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) – Used to control induction motors with varying input signal
frequencies. This changes the motor shaft’s output speed and torque.
Vertical axis, or yaw axis – an axis drawn vertically from the top of the simulator to the ground.
Vought-Chance F4U Corsair – A World War II and Korean War-era aircraft carrier-based
fighter-bomber aircraft manufactured by Vought-Chance. Introduced in 1942 and easily
recognized by its distinctive gull-winged design, the F4U Corsair is the official aircraft of the
state of Connecticut.