Motion bases are what’s used in flight simulation machines and are ideal for training without the risk of a crash if there’s a failure. These same systems are used in submarine simulation, racecar simulation, and more. But like many industrial systems and components, motion bases have an equally key application in entertainment for dogfight scenes, and ground travel, as well as for theme park rides.

When designing for motion base simulators, regardless of the industry, customers want accuracy, repeatability, and long-life cycles. Moog has produced over 1,500 high-performance, human rated systems currently being used around the world and achieves a 99 percent uptime. Depending on the specifications the customer is looking for, Moog allows them to choose from hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, and hybrid-based technologies. Their all-electric E60 Series and electro-pneumatic P60 Series are designed to meet Level D certification requirements for flight training as well as vehicle and maritime simulation. 

Motion bases provide full control of heave, sway, surge, pitch, roll, and yaw using six legs incorporating high-density BLDC (Brushless DC) motors. In the hybrid model, the pneumatic preload supports the static load of the platform, allowing the electric actuators to focus on delivering precise, dynamic motion. This improves energy efficiency and reduces overall power demand while maintaining high-fidelity performance. This motion might be used to simulate turbulence in a flight simulator but might also simulate a space battle or driving along a bumpy road in a theme park ride. 

The stroke length of each of the six legs of the motion base is up to 62.5-inches. These systems provide reduced actuator peak forces through the use of bi-directional reusable end-of-stroke buffers, resulting in smaller joints. These smaller and thus lighter moving joints are what help to increase the payload capacity of the system—while reducing the system footprint. Motion base platforms can handle up to 14,000 kg, which allows the customer to create and mount their own application specific construct such as the cockpit of a jet, command center for a submarine, control console for a tank, or display screen for a theme park ride. 

The P60, which combines electro-mechanical actuators with integrated pneumatic support delivers high-fidelity motion with significantly reduced energy consumption of up to 75 percent compared to fully electric systems. Newer systems are designed with the latest technologies leading to a power cabinet that is 50 percent smaller than other systems on the market, saving valuable space particularly for theme park rides where compactness is a requirement. Using modernized electronics and removable battery systems also reduces energy use as well as environmental impact. 

Moog designs, manufactures, and collaborates with entertainment providers to seamlessly integrate motion systems into full-scale simulation solutions through off-the-shelf and custom motion systems. Working closely with the customer as a partner, Moog provides all the software needed to provide direction, speed, and distance for each of the six legs. Moog provides a graphic user interface (GUI) to the customer who then integrates their simulation or ride elements. Moog’s experienced team of engineers work hand-in-hand with the customer from concept to completion. 

*Lead image courtesy of Sogitec. All other images courtesy of Moog. 

For more information: 

Moog

E60 and P60 Motion Systems

Read more about simulation devices.