USAF Academy orders simulators from Merlin Flight Simulation Group

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) Academy, Colorado, has ordered four new simulators for its teaching facility from Merlin Flight Simulation Group in the U.K.

As the lead undergraduate aeronautical engineering program in the U.S., the Air Force Academy (USAFA) will be the launch customer for Merlin’s new two-seat motion engineering flight simulator, ordering two MP525 simulators and two desktop MP500-1 simulators for its flight simulation laboratory.

Personnel from USAFA had previously helped judge one ofMerlin’s IT FLIES USA annual student aircraft design and handling competitionsat The University of Dayton – which itself has an extensive flight simulationlaboratory. It is through flying and understanding the capabilities of Merlin’sflight software and the overall performance of the simulators which has led tothis very high specification USAFA order.

Lt. Col. Judson Babcock, who is leading the project for theAir Force Academy said: “Merlin’s full-motion engineering flight simulatorswill greatly enhance the aeronautical engineering curriculum at the Air ForceAcademy. For the first time ever, students will be able to design, fly, andtest their own aircraft, engines and control systems in a motivatingfull-motion multi-ship simulation. This hands-on capstone experience will helpus to educate, train and inspire the next generation of technical leaders forthe United States and our allies.”