Calspan Corporation operates many unique flying test beds–here are two that serve as human factors laboratories.
Convair C-131 TIFS (Total In Flight Simulator)
Operated as a flying test bed on behalf of the US Air Force, this unique aircraft was used as a human factors flying laboratory, with a simulated cockpit/flight deck area, as you can see here in this picture. Tomorrow’s post will feature more links to references about this unique aircraft.
Click here to read more about this airplane from the National Museum of the USAF.
Saab 340 Airborne Systems Test and Research Support Aircraft
The above photo shows the experimental cockpit workstation and the below photo shows the highly modified Saab aircraft used for this test bed. Both are Calspan photos.
__________________________________________________
Airplanes by Design features photographs of aircraft from a test pilot perspective, highlighting aeronautical engineering characteristics and flight test facts. To see all of the these pictures (and many more of this aircraft and it’s unique design characteristics), click here. You will always be able to access any of these pictures by selecting the Flickr icon in the top menu bar.
WANTED: Your pictures and videos.
Send a message to @FlightTestFact on Twitter to share your Airplanes by Design stories and photos. See more Flight Test photos on Pinterest too.
