3 Images

This is the television camera from a flight simulator system used in the 1970s and 1980s by the U.S. Air Force. Pilots trained for missions by using "terrain boards": scale models of terrain, over which was moved a camera connected to controls in a flight simulator. The traineee saw an image on the simulator windows that corresponded to what he or she would see if flying a real airplne over that terrain.

Beginning in the late-1980s, computer graphics replaced these mechanical systems for training.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

EQUIPMENT-Training Devices

Manufacturer

Redifon

Physical Description

Rectangular black box with several control knobs and a second part that consists of a square metal frame with six light fixtures and associated wiring.

Dimensions

Other (Light fixture): 1 ft. 10 in. × 2 ft. (55.9 × 61cm)
Other (Liight fixture): 1 ft. (30.5cm)
Other (Camera): 2 ft. 4 in. × 2 ft. × 2 ft. (71.1 × 61 × 61cm)
3-D (Overall): 90.2 × 66 × 72.4cm (2 ft. 11 1/2 in. × 2 ft. 2 in. × 2 ft. 4 1/2 in.)

Materials

Aluminum
Ferrous Alloy
Plastics
Electrical Wiring
Copper Alloy
Paint
Glass
Adhesive
Adhesive Sticker
Ink
Cadmium

Inventory Number

A19890002000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Air Force

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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