Signature Technology – Signature Technology as it applies to the ATFS – 400 PHOENIX product line, addresses inherent mechanical, electrical, and software design features which allows the operator to sense the nuances of motion of the machine (motion signature), recall previously learned or practiced skills, and effectively apply those techniques. Conversely, by a pilot responding to the particular “Signature” of the machine, a symbiotic man-machine interface is created where the machine is more responsive to the pilot input and the pilot is more perceptive in discerning the machine motion signature. This resultant Signature relationship elevates the experience between the pilot and simulator, making the experience as close to a real flight experience as can be achieved.

G-Pointing – The G-Pointing motion control system controls the high performance motion system and is the key to the realistic simulation of varying G forces. Pilot control inputs are processed by the Cockpit Module aeromodel to create realistic virtual aircraft responses. Simultaneously, commands are sent to the G-POINTING system to properly position the ATFS-400 gondola, containing the modular tactical aircraft cockpit, and vary the speed of the high performance motion system to precisely create the correct inertial G forces in all three axes. G on-set and off-set rates correspond to those of the tactical aircraft being simulated.

Motion Signature – A motion signature enables the operator to sense the motion of the machine and apply previously learned skills during its operation based on his experience with that vehicle’s motion and performance signature, much like with a sports car.

Frequency Domain – The ATFS-400 has been designed in the Frequency Domain, an electromechanical design methodology, to produce a sustained ‘G’ flight simulator with bandwidth, cycle lag time, and a resultant feel and performance similar to 4th and 5th generation fighter aircraft. Today’s high-end sport cars are designed in the Frequency Domain. Mechanical system resonances are managed to achieve a specific bandwidth by establishing mass and stiffness criteria for all components in the drive train and of each axes.

System Bandwidth –This combined with state of the art control system architecture, control laws and flight models yields a flight motion system that can provide not only the performance but also the feel of the specific aircraft. This process, applied throughout the ATFS-400 system, establishes the system bandwidth. The ATFS-400 system bandwidth is equal to (or in some cases exceeds) the tactical fighter aircraft and allows the acceptance and faithful execution of high fidelity aeromodels. Accordingly, the ATFS-400 can faithfully replicate the motion and performance signature of the tactical fighter aircraft simulated.