AFRL & ACME CRADA: Collaborators on the F-16 True Q™ Dynamic
Motion Seat [ Patent Pending ]
ACME's F-16 True Q™ Dynamic Motion Seat at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Mesa, AZ
Video Footage Courtesy of Bruce Liddil, AFRL & L3 Communications
CRADA
Objective:ACME is working with the US. Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) to accomplish the evaluation of the Dynamic Motion Seats under the CRADA. AFRL is the premier organization in the USAF for research and development (R&D) in warfighter training techniques and technologies. This R&D is aimed at producing a research foundation upon which sound training system development principles can be based. The CRADA will explore how realism and tactical training experience enhancement provided by the motion seat adds to the overall effectiveness of the aircrew training system. Increased realism is critical to providing optimal training environments and effective warfighter training. The research benefit of the CRADA is to continue to define the relevant fidelity, cost, performance requirements, and alternative solutions for various tactical training environment configurations that maximize learning and mission effectiveness at a minimal cost to the Air Force. As noted in the CRADA, ACME provides a complement of aircrew simulation and training systems to customers worldwide. On other projects, ACME provides motion seat systems for rotary type aircraft and is recognized as a leader in the industry. Development of fixed wing, tactical aircraft motion seats has enormous potential for training. The relationship developed between AFRL, with their research and Subject Matter Expert capabilities, and ACME’s corporate knowledge and success in motion seat development will ultimately lead to a training capability that will greatly benefit the warfighter.
Background:The
Air Force Activity is the USAF premier organization
for research and development (R&D) in warfighter
training techniques and technologies. The Air Force
Activity's robust R&D program is aimed
at producing a research foundation upon which sound
training system development principles can be based.
Realism and tactical training experience enhancement
add to the overall effectiveness of the system, and
are critical to providing optimal training environments
and effective warfighter training. The research benefit
is to continue to define the relevant fidelity, cost,
performance requirements, and alternative solutions
for various tactical training environment
configurations that maximize learning and mission
effectiveness at a minimal cost to the Air Force.
ACME Worldwide Enterprises, Inc. (ACME) provides
a complement of aircrew simulation and training systems
to customers worldwide. On other projects, ACME
provides motion seat systems for rotary type aircraft
and is recognized as a leader in the industry. The
transition to fixed wing tactical aircraft has enormous
potential to both potential trainees.
The relationship developed with the Air Force Activity,
with their research and Subject Matter Expert potential,
combined with ACMEs corporate knowledge
in motion seat development will ultimately lead to
a training capability that will greatly benefit the
warfighter. ACME has a patent pending on an invention
titled “True Q™” directed towards a
motion seat system and method of use which is the
subject of the CRADA.
ACME
Seat Overview:ACME
produces the most
advanced Dynamic Motion Seat crew seats available for
simulators and trainers. True Q™ DMS motion
seats translate host computer inputs into motion cues
to produce absolute motion realism for simulations.
In addition to their realistic motion, ACME seats can
be customized to meet individual program requirements,
such as appearance and fit to replicate specific vehicle
or aircraft seats. ACME can incorporate many optional
features including accelerometers, specific belts,
or cushions to meet customer needs. ACME
Seats provide exceptional realism at an exceptional
price. ACME produces True Q™ motion seats for many
different simulator applications including wheeled
and tracked vehicles, rail vehicles, watercraft, and
aircraft. The ACME line of aircraft seats is particularly
sophisticated and provides detailed cueing to replicate
full motion for both rotary and fixed wing aircraft.
ACME has a successful line of aircraft dynamic motion
seats presently used on MH-60, SH-60, AH-64, V-22,
and F-16 simulators.
Standard
F-16 True Q™ Dynamic Motion Seat Features:
ACME
True Q™ DMS offers many standard base
features for your simulator motion solutions.
Dynamic Motion Seat (DMS)
Electronics Chassis
DMS Computer System (Can drive 2 Electronic Chassis and 2 Seats)
Connecting Cables
DMS Maintenance Manuals
Daily Operational Readiness Test (DORT) Software
DMS Autotest
Capability that performs a complete performance test on the seat. All axis are exercised to verify the displacement, velocity, and acceleration performance of the seat using sensors that are independent of the normal drive equipment. This test is used to verify the DMS meets or exceeds all required performance criteria and to establish a performance baseline. The baseline can then be compared throughout the life cycle of the DMS for certification and maintenance purposes.
Vertical seat adjustments
Electric motors eliminates
expensive hydraulics and maintenance intensive
pneumatic systems
Easy access to system
components for maintenance and tuning
Standard Safety Switches/Systems:
Weight on Seat / Loss of Signal at DMS Computer / Crew Enable / Self Monitoring System
Available F-16 True Q™ Dynamic Motion Seat Options:
ACME
can provide ancillary systems to expand the
base features for your advanced seat solutions.
Actual seats, harnesses, pads and cushions
Actuated harnesses
QTG Software
Articulated gauges and devices for procedural training
(ejection seat handles, oxygen bottle gauges, etc.)
Forward and Aft movement of seat
Can be customized for 1 to 6 channels
ACME On-Site installation service
ACME training and tuning sessions
Countries with Fielded F-16s
Courtesy of Lockheed Martin
ACME DMS Configuration
for AFRL Mesa. AZ
System
Features:
The ACME DMS
consists of the ejection seat assembly, seat electronics
chassis, and the DMS computer. An optional G-Suit pressurization
system is also available and is easily integrated with
the seat. The relationship between these components is
shown in the figure to the left. The seat assembly consists
of the high fidelity replica of the ejection seat including
all components necessary for moving the DMS.
Safety:
ACME takes a multi-layer approach to DMS safety. The seat
is designed to maximize safety for the
crew, instructor, technicians, and observers. Safety
is given an equal priority to performance in the design
and manufacturing of the seat. The seat includes integral
safety covers for all moving components.
I/ITSEC Applications of
Dynamic Motion Seats Paper
I/ITSEC Tradeshow ShowDail
Article on ACME Worldwide
