A terrain board is a detailed scale model of a piece of terrain, which is used in flight simulators to train pilots. A television camera, with a long depth-of-field and coupled to the motions of the simulator, "flies" along the board in response to the pilot's actions. The television image is displayed in the simulator cockpit, giving the trainee a view of what he or she would see if flying an actual craft.
This board, manufactured by the Singer-Link Aviation Company, was used to train helicopter pilots, and was intricately detailed to provide a realistic view at low simulated altitudes. With the advent of digital computers with high-resolution graphics displays, these boards became obsolete.
Donated by the Singer-Link Aviation Company to the Museum in 1986.
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
Singer-Link Aviation Co.
Physical Description
48 x 48 x 6"; model board of terrain; used to train helicopter pilots.
Dimensions
Overall: 6 in. × 4 ft. × 4 ft. (15.2 × 121.9 × 121.9cm)
3-D (Overall with Plexiglass Cover): 132.1 × 132.1 × 36.8cm (4 ft. 4 in. × 4 ft. 4 in. × 1 ft. 2 1/2 in.)
Materials
Plaster
Wood
Plexiglass
Paints
Synthetic Materials
Metal Wire
Plastics
Miscellaneous Materials
Plexiglass
Paints
Synthetic Materials
Metal Wire
Plastics
Adhesives
Inventory Number
A19860222000
Credit Line
Gift of Singer-Link Aviation Co.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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