A copy of the world: simulator fascination
The extremely realistic simulations in a cockpit simulator are the result of highly complex engineering achievement. Numerous sophisticated systems must work in perfect unison to generate a virtual duplicate of the "real" world: the motion system, the visual system, the sound system, and the true-to-life equipment – the instruments and cockpit systems. The pilot hears the sound of the engines and feels the forces of acceleration. The instruments and controls react just as they do in reality – just like they do on the flight deck of a real airplane.
Acceleration is a feeling: the motion system
Motion systems are an integral element of cockpit and emergency simulators. They provide crews with tangible feedback for every movement of the controls, or signalize critical situations such as cabin decompression or turbulence and ensure that crews experience a true feeling of hands-on flying. The motion systems of cockpit simulators look like complex stilts supporting the training device – hydraulic or electric pistons that move the simulator in the six degrees of freedom to create a realistic feeling of motion and acceleration for pilots.
From the Grand Canyon to the Alps: the visual system
Depending on the routes flown by the simulated aircraft type, more than 100 "real world airports" are available in the cockpit simulators. Different weather conditions and times of day are emulated with astounding realism. Airport simulations rely on complex databases, called Real World Visual Databases, developed by Lufthansa Flight Training specialists in particularly complex technologies.
Training over loudspeakers: the sound system
A high-performance sound system is responsible for the realistic reproduction of sounds in the cockpit simulator, for example: realistic sounds of an aircraft in flight. In this way, pilots receive acoustic feedback for each of their operations just as they would under real flying conditions. Over 200 loudspeakers, with a total power of 10,000 Watts, make sure that the overall acoustic impression is almost indistinguishable from reality.
Over 100 real world airports.
180-degree view.
Widest range of weather conditions.