The computer also monitors the position of all pilot flight controls via the data acquisition card. Using this data and simplified flight model software the computer system generates a 3-D image corresponding to the current head, ownship, and tanker position. The image is displayed on both the pilot s helmet-mounted display and the local monitor. The local monitor is used for simulation setup and also allows other people to watch the progress of the simulation. A picture of the ruggedized HMD is shown below.
Small speakers positioned near each ear provide stereo audio cues.
Depending on the selected turbulence conditions, the refueling basket and hose will move erratically increasing the difficulty of refueling. A highly detailed 3-D model of the ownship cockpit interior is provided. Instruments and instrument panels are accurately sized and positioned in 3-D space to provide realistic queues as the pilot moves his head. While most instruments are static and do not move as the simulation progresses, several cockpit instruments are updated in real time to allow the pilot to locate and rendezvous with the tanker. These include an attitude ball, an airspeed indicator, and a radar indicator.