Case Study

Keeping Aviation History on Target

Norden-Bombsight_courtesy-rama-wikimedia-cc

The Norden Bombsight. Image credit: Rama, Wikimedia Commons

Background

The Oakland Aviation Museum (OAM) celebrates the historical and technological achievements of aviation. Established in 1981, this museum is home to a large collection of aircraft exhibits spanning the history of aviation. OAM inspires visitors by linking aviation’s past to the future.

Among the museum’s exhibits is an exciting simulator using the famous Norden Bombsight. Considered advanced technology for its time, the Norden Bombsight was a closely guarded secret during WWII. It was used extensively by the United States Armed Forces not only during that war, but throughout the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.

Summary of encoder requirements for this application:

  • Slim profile
  • Economical
  • Flexible mounting system

The Problem

The Norden Bombsight is an electromechanical computer sighting and flight control device that allowed the crews of bomber aircraft to deliver gravity bombs with improved accuracy. The museum’s exhibit would allow patrons to experience a re-creation of a bombing mission in the nose of a typical WWII bomber.

The simulation links to NASA open-source global imaging software to simulate actual controls for ground speed, trajectory, drift, and flight angle, as the original Norden Bombsight would have done. The problem is, the simulator is not flying in the air aboard a WWII bomber, but is stationary on the ground in a museum. The exhibit’s creators needed a series of feedback devices to aid in the simulation.

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Flight simulator at OAM. Internal view (left and external view (right).

The Solution

EPC’s solution was the Model 15T/H encoder. The small form factor was easily incorporated into the design with minimal visual impact on this unique exhibit.

“To our knowledge, this will be the first-ever simulator of its kind, and we at OAM are very excited to have Encoder Products Company’s support in making this a reality, ” said Scott Buckingham, Operations Manager at OAM.

The Model 15T (thru-bore) or 15H (blind hollow bore) offers a high performance feedback solution in a low-profile package. Unlike modular or kit encoders, the Model 15 utilizes an integral bearing set and an innovative flexible mounting system, which are much more tolerant to axial ­misalignment or radial shaft runout.

The slotted flex mounts provide 20 or 30 degrees of rotational adjustment for commutation or index pulse timing. Installation is quick and easy – for brushless servo motor applications, three 120° electrical phase tracks can provide up to 12-pole commutation feedback. The optional 100° C and 120° C temperature options allow servo motors to operate at higher power outputs and duty cycles. The Model 15 provides stable and reliable operation and is an excellent replacement for other ­manufacturers’ modular encoders where a high performance solution is desired.

The museum reported back to us that the simulator worked perfectly, exactly as they hoped.

Resources

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15t-sf-slotted-flex-mount

Model 15T/H

 The Model 15T/H offers a high performance feedback solution in a low-profile package. With optional flex mounts available, installation is quick and easy.

Model 15T/H Key Features:

  • High-performance, economical encoder
  • Low profile – 1.0” (25.4 mm) height and 1.5” (38 mm) diameter
  • Thru-bore with sizes up to 0.375” (10 mm)
  • Simple, innovative flex mounting system (Global Mounting Standards)
  • Up to 12-pole commutation optional for brushless motor control
 

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