Flight or part task trainers are often restricted to fixed based operations due to budget or facility constraints. Studies have shown that the training in fixed based devices is generally less effective than the training in a full motion device. Early generation hydraulic or pneumatic powered G seats attempted to overcome this deficiency with mixed success. Limited axis cueing and excessive latency were just two of the deficiencies which prevented universal acceptance of these devices as adequate replacements for motion bases.

A prototype, multi-axis dynamic seat has been developed to evaluate the effectiveness of small motion or force cues in performing mission related tasks. The design is based on a dynamic seat developed and tested by the Defense Research Agency (DRA)/Cranfield in Bedford U.K. The design concept of the dynamic seat is to produce skin pressure and limb orientation giving the pilot the impression of motion from limited seat movements. Force and vibration cueing is provided by vertical movement of the seat pan and seat bucket independently, and by forward and lateral movement of the seat back pad. Although all of the seat motion is translational, movement of the proper component can simulate rotational motion. A tactile sound transducer is mounted to the seat frame to provide vibration at the higher frequencies. An initial pilot evaluation of the dynamic seat in a flight training device produced a very favorable response.