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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