Simulator setup to test next generation flight deck concepts for general aviation. Three touch screens and a single, centre-mounted joystick allowed the pilot to operate the simulator. A UI created by hacking together google earth, microsoft flight simulator, google sketchup and some custom code powered the experience. Concepts were coded up and 'flight-tested' to evaluate feasibility as well as to pursue IP generation.
A short video demonstrating the flight simulator in operation. This was produced during the project as a mid-way report to upper management.
Flight Simulator for Future Cockpit Concepts (2008-2010)
In 2008, I obtained internal funding to lead a team of design researchers to develop future flight deck concepts for general aviation aircraft, particularly very light jets. As we progressed with our research and concept generation, we pitched for and obtained approval to build a low-cost flight simulator to test out the feasibility of some of the concepts we were proposing. The simulator setup was built for under USD 10k, including three touch screens and a workstation to power it. The simulator was displayed at Honeywell's annual day in Bangalore, demonstrating our concepts to hundreds of employees and their families. The simulator and the concepts were also demonstrated to Honeywell's India leadership as well. The concepts expanded the design team's IP portfolio and familiarized us with the patent process.
