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A Computer Graphics Head-Up Display For Air-To-Air And Air-To-Ground Flight Simulation, Daryl R. Mair

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A computer graphics simulation of an aircraft Head-Up Display was designed using an RDS-3000 Ikonas Graphics Processor and a PDP-11/34 host computer system. The software control and display modules were accomplished using Ikonas microcode and Digital Equipment Corporation Fortran IV-PLUS. The Head-Up Display system consists of the basic flight data, which includes aerodynamic flight information, Roll/Pitch Ladder, and the Velocity Vector or Flight Path Marker. The system was designed for flexibility in modifications and evaluation of various weapons delivery systems. These will be adapted to specific needs by research scientists and engineers at the Visual Technology Research Simulator in Orlando, …

Survey Of Texture And Shading Techniques For Visual Flight Simulation, Walter R. Steiner

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Shading and texturing are two techniques that flight simulators can take advantage of to increase scene realism. Shading imitates the effects of light reflecting from a surface. Texture refers to superimposing a pattern on a surface to give the illusion of extra detail and realism.

In this report, several techniques for shading and texturing are evaluated with respect to their applicability to visual flight simulators.

The image quality produced by shading and texturing is a function of computation cost. The Phong model is found to produce the most realistic shading, but is too computationally expensive. The Gouraud shading model improves …

A Projectile Subsystem In A Flight Simulation System, Robert F. Hodson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An overview of a flight simulation system is presented with a discussion of the system components and the interaction between functional units. The functions of each unit in the visual system are described. Specifically, the projectile subsystem portion of the visual system is presented in detail. A projectile subsystem executive structure is presented with capability of controlling projectile activation and deletion. Mathematical models for missiles with linear projected impact and proportional guidance are discussed. Ballistic projectile models with and without wind and drag considerations are developed. The mathematical equations for position and attitude calculations are given. Design considerations and implementation …