Guide to the NASA Ames Motion Simulator Research Collection
1959-1994
Guide prepared by Danielle K. Lopez
NASA Ames History Archive
NASA Ames Research Center
Mail Stop 207-1
Moffett Field, California 94035
Phone: (650) 604-1032
Email: ARC-DL-history@mail.nasa.gov
URL: http://history.arc.nasa.gov
Guide to the NASA Ames Motion Simulator Research Collection,
1959-1994
NASA Ames History Archive
NASA Ames Research Center
Contact Information:
- NASA Ames History Archive
- NASA Ames Research Center
- Mail Stop 207-1
- Moffett Field, CA 94035
- Phone: (650) 604-1032
- Email: ARC-DL-history@mail.nasa.gov
- URL: http://history.arc.nasa.gov
- Collection processed by:
- Danielle K. Lopez
- Date Completed:
- December 2019
Descriptive Summary
Title: NASA Ames Motion Simulator Research Collection
Date (inclusive): 1959-1994
Collection Number: ARC18.13
Creator:
Ames Research Center
Extent:
Number of containers: 7
Volume: 2.45 cubic feet
Repository:
Ames Research Center,
Ames History Archive
Moffett Field, California 94035
Abstract: This collection primarily contains photographs depicting motion simulator research at Ames Research Center, the University
of Southern California's (USC) Human Centrifuge apparatus testing for Ames Research Center, and the Johnsville Centrifuge
Program's spacesuit development in collaboration with NASA. Remaining materials include administrative files from the division
and branch managing the flight simulator facilities at Ames Research Center.
Language:
English
Administrative Information
Access
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
Copyright does not apply to United States government records. For non-government
material, researcher must contact the original creator.
Preferred Citation
NASA Ames History Archive, NASA Ames Research Center. Moffett Field, California. ARC18.13, NASA Ames Motion Simulator Research
Collection, [Container number]: [Folder number]. [Identification of item]. [Date, if available].
Abbreviated Citation
NASA ARC. ARC18.13, [Container number]: [Folder number]. [Identification of item]. [Date, if available].
Acquisition Information
Transferred by Bonnie Andro-Avila on September 19, 2018 (Acq. 013-2018).
Indexing Terms
The following terms may be used to index this collection.
Corporate Name
Ames Research Center
Crew Vehicle Systems Research Facility (Simulation Laboratories (Ames Research Center))
Human Centrifuge (University of Southern California)
Johnsville Centrifuge Program
Simulation Laboratories (Ames Research Center)
SimLabs
Vertical Motion Simulation Complex (Simulation Laboratories (Ames Research Center))
Subjects
Advanced Cab and Visual System
Flight and Guidance Centrifuge
Flight Simulator for Advanced Aircraft
Five-Degree-of-Freedom Motion Generator
Fixed-Base Transport Simulator
Height-Control Test Apparatus
Human Environmental Test Facility
Man-Carrying Rotation Device
Man-Vehicle Systems Research Facility
Moving-Cab Transport Simulator
Six Degree of Freedom Motion Simulator
Vertical Acceleration and Roll Device
Vertical Motion Simulator
Scope and Content
Spanning from 1959 to 1994, this collection covers a period of Ames Research Center's motion simulator research in the form
of photographs and administrative files. The photograph files in Series I capture motion simulator research at Ames Research
Center, USC's Human Centrifuge apparatus testing for Ames Research Center and Johnsville Centrifuge Program's spacesuit development
for NASA. The administrative files in Series II include documentation on two simulator facilities, a flight simulator facility
assessment, and the managing division's reorganization documents.
The bulk of this collection contains photograph files that document various simulators and centrifuges used at Ames from the
1960s to the 1990s. Also included are photograph files from two different Ames-commissioned studies that took place in facilities
at other institutions in the 1960s: pilot seat and restraint system experiments conducted in USC's Human Centrifuge, and spacesuit
testing at Johnsville Naval Air Development Center.
The remainder of the collection contains files from the managing organization at Ames Research Center. Covering a duration
of 1984 to 1994, areas of focus include the Man-Vehicle Systems Research Facility (MVSRF), the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS),
Ames motion simulators write-ups, a Flight and Guidance simulation laboratory review and assessment, and the 1994 reorganization
of the Aerospace Human Factors Research Division and Flight Human Factors Branch.
Arrangement of the NASA Ames Motion Simulator Research Collection
The materials are arranged into two series, organized by format and functions, and then in chronological order:
- Series I: Simulator and Centrifuge Photographs, 1959-1993
- Series II: Administrative Files, 1984-1994
I
Simulator and Centrifuge Photographs
1959-1993
Scope and Content Note
There are three sets of photograph files in this series: motion simulator facilities at Ames Research Center from 1970 to
1980, along with associated personnel and outreach activities; Ames-commissioned research to test pilot seats and restraint
systems at USC's Human Centrifuge in the 1960s; and spacesuit development at the Johnsville Naval Air Development Center in
the 1960s.
A photograph key and description sheet from 1969 are present for a subset simulators at Ames. Simulators and devices represented
in these files include: Ames Aircraft Sound Simulators, Biosatellite Centrifuge (20G), Environmental Chamber, Man-Vehicle
Systems Research Facility, Man Vehicle Systems Research Facility (MVSRF), Crew-Vehicle Systems Research Facility (CVSRF),
Five-Degree-of-Freedom Motion Generator, Fixed-Base Transport Simulator No. 1 (C-134), Fixed-Base Transport Simulator Number
2, Flight and Guidance Centrifuge, Flight Simulator for Advanced Aircraft (FSAA), Height-Control Test Apparatus, Human Environmental
Test Facility, Hydraulic Control Loader System, Man-Carrying Rotation Device (MCRD), Man-Carrying Vibration Device (MCVD),
Midcourse Navigation (Apollo), Moving-Cab Transport Simulator, NASA Horizon Simulator, Portable Chairs, Portable Chamber,
Six-Degree-of-Freedom Motion Simulator, Three-Degree Motion Simulator, Unlimited Freedom Space Vehicle, Vertical Acceleration
and Roll Device (VARD), Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS), and Visual Flight Attachments.
Files showing Ames personnel are also included in this first set. Identified personnel photographs include A-40722-25: Charlie
Duke, Gordon Hardy, R. Mueller; AC91-0680 (left to right): Chase Billings, Dominic Wong, Gary Uyehara, Barry S., Dave Bent,
Mike Armstrong, Anna Debrowski, Jim Dixon, Sil Corpuz, Norm Stein, Israel Levram, Ramesh Panda, Bob Shiner, Ken Krecjoeski,
Glenn Ellis, Trent Thrush, George Soler, Vic Loesch; A-31154-1: Joseph J. Tymczszyn; A-40722-25: Charlie Duke, Gordon Hardy,
R. Mueller; A73-3615: Al Paulsen and wife; A89-0809-5: Congressional Subcommittee on Aviation, James Oberstar, Robert Shiner;
AC91-0680 (left to right): Chase Billings, Dominic Wong, Gary Uyehara, Barry S., Dave Bent, Mike Armstrong, Anna Debrowski,
Jim Dixon, Sil Corpuz, Norm Stein, Israel Levram, Ramesh Panda, Bob Shiner, Ken Krecjoeski, Glenn Ellis, Trent Thrush, George
Soler, Vic Loesch.
The final file in this first set features a NASA exhibit featuring simulators at the 1962 Aerospace Medical Meeting. The exhibit
showcases NASA's research in space flight and long-term space travel, and includes a flight simulator chair. Also included
are the exhibits of aerospace research conducted by various organizations.
Ames Research Center designed and developed a series of experiments to test pilot seats and restraint systems, then turned
to the Human Centrifuge at USC to execute those experiments. Photograph files from pilot seat testing at USC's Human Centrifuge
capture harness fittings, centrifuge operations, test simulations, control rooms, operations panels, harness sketches, pilot
fittings, and pilots in test apparatuses.
The Johnsville Centrifuge Program files provide a glimpse into the various stages of spacesuit development, suit fittings,
harnesses, pilot seats, seat restraints, and test apparatuses. Located on the former Johnsville Naval Air Development Center
operated under the US Navy, The Johnsville Centrifuge was used for training NASA astronauts. The human centrifuge machine
consisted of a capsule at the end of a rotating arm.
II
Administrative Files
1984-1994
Scope and Content Note
This series contains administrative files from 1983 to 1994. Key subject areas include the MVSRF, VMS, write-ups on Ames motion
simulators, Flight and Guidance Simulation Laboratory review and assessment, and the 1994 reorganization of the Aerospace
Human Factors Research Division and Flight Human Factors Branch.
Intended to support aeronautical human factor research, the MVSRF facility included the Advanced Concepts Flight Simulator
(ACFS), Boeing 727-200, and Air Traffic Control (ATC) simulators. Between 1992 and 1994 the facility name was changed from
MVSRF to Crew-Vehicle Systems Research Facility (CVSRF). File dates range between 1984 to 1994, with documents predating 1992
referring to the facility as MVSRF. Files pertaining to the Man and Crew Vehicle Systems Research Facility include presentations,
an outline of proposed experiments, construction of facilities documentation, data collection methods and quarterly reports.
Files specific to the Boeing 727 simulator include decommissioning correspondence.
VMS files from the early 1990s are primarily compiled of presentations, a readiness review package and an Advanced Cab and
Visual System (ACAVS) interface control document. Recognized as the world's largest motion flight simulator, the VMS offers
a unique range of motion to simulate the six ways an aircraft or spacecraft moves. The ACAVS originated as a conceptual design
study and designed as a VMS component.
Articles and publications spanning from 1983 to 1991 cover topics such as the Human Performance Research Laboratory dedication
keynote address, Boeing 727 advanced cockpit, MVSRF technical papers, conference proceedings on the evolution of the flight
simulator and human factors in computing systems and three-dimensional virtual acoustic displays.
In 1989 the Human Factors Research Division at Ames Research Center conducted a research and development flight simulator
assessment. This assessment's purpose was to identify flight simulator facility improvements. The assessment covered schedules,
simulator usage percentages, an outline of facility upgrades, and implementation schedules. Briefing packages from the assessment
include a summary of flight simulation facilities, identified issues, assessment of facility upgrade requests, findings and
recommendations, notes on the review, and schematics of the Flight and Guidance Simulation Laboratory floors.
The remaining files in this series contain information on the reorganization of simulation facilities. During this period
the Aerospace Human Factors Research Division and Flight Human Factors Branch managed the Ames simulation facilities. In 1994
Ames Research Center restructured the organization to the Flight Management and Human Factors Division and Human and Systems
Technologies Branch. Files pertaining to the reorganization and include construction of facilities proposals, Ames division
and branch level reorganizations, facility and simulator reports, interface control documents, and meeting notes.
I. Simulator and Centrifuge Photographs
Box 1, Folder 1
Photograph Key and Simulator Descriptions
Box 1, Folder 2
NASA Horizon Simulator, FSI Gunnery Tracking Trainer
Box 2, Folder 4
Unlimited Freedom Space Vehicle Simulator, A-28693
Box 2, Folder 5
Three Degree of Freedom Simulator, Boeing
Box 2, Folder 7
S.01 Six Degree Motion Simulator, AC79-0198-15
Box 2, Folder 8
S.01 Six Degree Motion Simulator, AC79-0198-16
Box 2, Folder 9
S.01 Six Degree Motion Simulator, AC79-0198-17
Box 2, Folder 10
S.01 Six Degree Motion Simulator, A-39901
Box 2, Folder 11
S.01 Six Degree Motion Simulator, A-36014 (1 of 2)
Box 2, Folder 12
S.01 Six Degree Motion Simulator, A-36014 (2 of 2)
Box 2, Folder 13
S.02 Simulator Chair--Stoland
Box 2, Folder 14
S.02 Five Degree of Freedom Motion Generator
Box 2, Folder 15
S.02 Five Degree Simulator Capsule
Box 2, Folder 16
S.02 Five Degree of Freedom Motion Generator, Simulation with Gemini Suit
Box 2, Folder 17
S.02 Five Degree of Freedom Motion Generator, TV Picture of Test Pilot Reaction to G-Force
Box 2, Folder 18
S.03 Height-Control Test Apparatus
Box 2, Folder 19
S.04 Fixed-Base Transport Simulator No. 1 (C-134)
Box 3, Folder 1
S.05 MMI Fixed Based 1, A-40053-2
Box 3, Folder 2
S.05 MMI Fixed Based, AC78-0388-42
Box 3, Folder 3
S.05 MMI Fixed Based, AC79-0141-25
Box 3, Folder 4
S.05 MMI Fixed Based, A-40054-7
Box 3, Folder 5
S.05 Fixed-Base Transport Simulator No. 2, MMI
Box 3, Folder 10
Flight and Guidance Simulation Laboratory, N243 Building Photographs
Box 3, Folder 11
S.08 VMS I Cab, AC79-0198-3, AC81-0716-1
Box 3, Folder 12
S.09 Flight and Guidance Centrifuge 50G
Box 3, Folder 14
S.09 Flight and Guidance Navigation, A-71-6490
Box 3, Folder 16
Advanced Cab for Flight Simulation
Box 3, Folder 17
MVSRF and CVSRF Photographs
Box 3, Folder 18
Flight Simulator for Advanced Aircraft
Box 3, Folder 20
S.10 FSAA, A-36517, A-36518
Box 3, Folder 21
S.10 FSAA, A-42684-2 thru A-42684-17
Box 3, Folder 23
S.10 FSAA, A-42684-5 thru A-42684-18
Box 3, Folder 24
S.10 FSAA, AC79-1026-14, C79-1026-16
Box 3, Folder 25
S.10 FSAA, A70-1628, A70-1923, A704927
Box 3, Folder 26
S.10 FSAA, A72-5475-50, A72-5475-51
Box 3, Folder 27
S.10 FSAA, AC77-0436-10 thru AC77-0436-12
Box 3, Folder 28
S.10 FSAA, AC77-0436-2 thru AC77-0436-9
Box 3, Folder 34
S.10 FSAA, A-10114-1 thru A-10112-5
Box 4, Folder 7
S.10 FSAA, A42524-2 thru A42524-19
Box 4, Folder 8
S.10 FSAA, 42375-8, 42375-9
Box 4, Folder 11
S.12 Biosatellite Centrifuge 20G, A70-4617 thru A70-4622, A70-4616 thru A70-1642, PMGC-46
Box 4, Folder 12
S.12 20G, A-39174, A-34429-10, A-37455, A-38586
Box 4, Folder 13
S.12 20G, A-34429-2 thru A-34429-9
Box 4, Folder 14
S.12 20G, AR-1632B-1093-372, AR-1632B-1726, A-35893, A-38582
Box 4, Folder 15
S.12 20G, A-36034, A-35893, A-41620, A-36040, A-36041
Box 4, Folder 17
S.12 20G, SFG-17, A-35869, A-36801, A-36825, A-34429-11, A-34429-13
Box 4, Folder 18
S.13 Environmental Chamber, A71-6476
Box 4, Folder 19
S.16 Moving-Cab Transport Simulator, 36726, A71-1996, A-30526-16
Box 4, Folder 20
S.16 Moving-Cab Transport Simulator, 36838, A-40052-2, A-40052-6, A70-4399
Box 4, Folder 23
S.18 Human Environmental Test Facility, A-42021-1, A-42021-2
Box 4, Folder 24
Enclosed/Portable Chairs (general)
Box 4, Folder 25
Chair 2, AC79-0141-5, AC79-0141-11, AC79-1041-23
Box 4, Folder 26
Chair 2, AC79-1098-5, AC79-1098-4
Box 5, Folder 2
Computer Generated Images, AC-78-0728-1
Box 5, Folder 3
Ch. 06 V/STOLAND UH-1 Experiments
Box 5, Folder 4
VFA, AC79-0591-1, AC79-0591-2
Box 5, Folder 5
VFA, AC79-0591-3, AC79-0591-4
Box 5, Folder 8
VFA, AC79-0141-5, AC79-0141-16
Box 5, Folder 12
Trans World Airlines (TWA) Flight Simulator
Box 5, Folder 13
Aerospace Medical Meeting in Atlantic City
Box 5, Folder 15
Construction of Facilities, MVSRF Upgrade
Box 5, Folder 17
Construction of Facilities, MVSRF Rehab FY91
Box 5, Folder 18
MVSRF Experiment and Project Queue
Box 6, Folder 3
Presentation Photographs and View Graphs
Box 6, Folder 5
Research, Queue Completed
Box 6, Folder 8
Space Shuttle VMS Simulation
Box 6, Folder 9
Space Shuttle VMS Simulation Presentations
Box 6, Folder 10
ACAVS Interface Control Document (1 of 2)
Box 7, Folder 1
ACAVS Interface Control Document (2 of 2)
Box 7, Folder 3
Human Research Division Review and Facility Improvements
Box 7, Folder 4
Research and Development Flight Simulator Assessment
Box 7, Folder 8
Aeronautics Directorate Reorganization
Box 7, Folder 9
Reorganization, Aeronautics Division
