Elevating the USS Simulator Experience: A Resilient Design for Instructors and Students Alike

This thesis proposes the development of a portable gliding simulator, aiming to address the seasonal limitations faced by glider enthusiasts in Canada. The target group is a university student club that is in need of a simulator of increased durability and an increased immersiveness for user experience while maintaining portability. The implementation of such simulators offers opportunities for year-round training, overcoming the bottleneck of instructor availability during peak seasons. The final design in this report (referred to as “USS 1.0) is designed to be cheaper and more transportable than the market designs, and explores possible improvements that can be added in later designs as well.

The USS 1.0 simulator represents a successful culmination of design efforts, offering a practical and immersive flight simulation experience. The design considerations, including accessibility for users of varying heights (5ft to 6ft 3in) and ease of joystick adjustment, to ensure user comfort and convenience. With a weight of approximately 40 lbs and the inclusion of electronic components for simulating various flight controls like flaps, spoilers, trims, and a release knob, the simulator meets its design objectives effectively. Notably, the integration of the Mobiflight software with other pre-built modules like Thrustmaster setups enhances control functionality without interference. While the simulator primarily works with Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) and is rated to work with other simulators like Prepar3D (P3D) and X-plane, its compatibility with Condor remains unknown. However, the flexibility to add extra parts due to available analog and digital pins ensures adaptability for future enhancements. The total cost analysis indicates a total cost of $1202 CAD for the simulator, including shipping and HST. Considering the goal of offering a competitive price point compared to existing simulators, the USS 1.0 achieves significant cost savings, potentially offering a more accessible option for glider clubs. Moreover, accounting for labor costs, the assembly time for the simulator is still cheaper to its competitors, further highlighting its viability as a cost-effective solution.