DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A LOW-COST PC BASED RECONFIGURABLE FLIGHT SIMULATOR WITH IMMERSIVE DISPLAY FOR AB-INITIO FLYING TRAINING AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH
Flight simulation is an essential tool for pilot training and aerospace engineering research. While commercially available flight simulators offer high fidelity, they are often prohibitively expensive, whereas many PC-based simulators suffer from limited realism. Consequently, there is a need for a low-cost flight simulation system that provides an immersive training experience. The aim of this study is to design and develop a low-cost flight simulator featuring a high-fidelity immersive display with a 220-degree field of view, aimed at enhancing realism and replicating onboard flight conditions. The simulator design was divided into 4 subsystems integrating motion cueing effects, surround sound, controller and display/instrumentation to deliver a cockpit-like experience. System evaluation was conducted using a Cessna 172 aircraft model, with an instructor�s monitoring display connected to the simulation computer to observe user flight operations. The simulator demonstrated effective motion cueing through seat vibration synchronized with engine revolutions. Evaluation results indicate that the system effectively supports pilot skill development, achieving a highest mean score of 4.76 among the assessed criteria. The proposed simulator offers a cost-effective solution suitable for trained pilots, ab-initio trainees, and engineering students engaged in aircraft design and flight training. Future work will focus on enhancing system realism through the incorporation of rudder pedals and the use of more durable materials in place of plywood for the immersive display structure.
Authors : Ubadike, O.C., Mohammed, A., Shobowale, K.O. and Sheshi, E.U.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 11(2) Date Uploaded : 2nd February 2026