A squadron of 15 pulse-pounding flight simulators is now thrilling visitors at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.

Visitors to "At the Controls" climb aboard a MaxFlight® simulator and control a first-of-its-kind fully aerobatic ride. By piloting the two-person craft into a twisting 360-degree barrel roll or pulling back on the joystick to complete an upside-down loop, the operators can emulate legendary barnstormers or "Top Guns" during their 3-minute adventure.

MaxFlight's innovative, forward-of-axis technology allows the simulator's sleek body to move on two different planes-pitch and roll-at the same time, while a huge, 58-inch virtual reality screen and high-tech sound effects allow for total sensory immersion 12 feet in the air. Network capabilities will also allow different units to compete against each other.

"Simulators have long been an important element in flight training," said Gen. J.R. "Jack" Dailey, museum director. "By re-creating the flight experience as realistically as possible, we hope to offer a learning experience that is memorable and fun."

Simulators were first tested in the museum for a seven-month period beginning in May 2000. It was determined that simulators could function successfully in a venue that hosts more than 10,000 visitors a day and had strong audience appeal.

While the four eight-seater simulators tested were limited to two programs, pilots can now choose from 20 available programs, including 15 inspired by aircraft in the museum's collection. Of these 15, six are currently on display, while the others will be exhibited at the museum's companion facility currently under construction at Washington Dulles International Airport. The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center will open in December 2003.

Each interactive simulator flight costs $6.50 per person. Visitors must be at least 48 inches tall to fly the simulators or at least 42 inches tall and accompanied by an adult.

MaxFlight Corp., based in Lakewood, N.J., designs, manufactures and sells interactive ride systems used around the world.