HARRIER AV8b SIM PIT
After I created the Cessna 17 Cockpit Simulator, I decided I could do better. I wanted to make my next cockpit completely accurate and well constructed. I wanted to make this a true replica through and through, and the only way to do that was through CAD and CNC machining, something I had not done for my previous projects. I chose the AV8B because it’s a complex aircraft to fly, but has a relatively small cockpit (important because I need to physically fit it in my room.) I finished this project years later, this time learning to meld accurately made panels with an appropriate use of carpentry bellow. Every switch in the cockpit is fully functional and corresponds to the appropriate control in the simulator. Much like my Cessna 172 Simulator, the user can look at a control in virtual reality and touch and manipulate it in reality.
2020 Gallery
2016-2017 Gallery
Objective:
To create a well-built, accurate AV8B replica cockpit using CAD and CNC machining.
Materials:
CNC Machined Aluminum, Laser Cut Acrylic, 3D Printer Filament, Plywood and Lumbar, Switches, Potentiates, Wiring, Arduino
How I Did It:
I am still in the process of building this project, largely because I wanted to finish my Momentary Distortion Pedal first. As a first step, I CADded the cockpit based on a 3D model of the AV8B. I took measurements, often down to the millimeter, to make sure everything was exactly where it should be. I started by laser cutting the left console, but eventually rebuilt it with aluminum I CNC'ed. This project was put on hold when I went to college.
Upon returning home due to the Covid-19 lock downs, I decided to finish the project. Although I no longer had axes to a CNC mill or a laser cutter, I did have basic carpentry tools and a 3D printer. Once the cockpit itself was complete I switched to wiring and then eventually programming and scripting to allow the cockpit to interface with the computer and the simulator, DCS.
Ultimately this project was a great exercise in balancing precision and planing with production speed and on the fly problem solving.
Upon returning home due to the Covid-19 lock downs, I decided to finish the project. Although I no longer had axes to a CNC mill or a laser cutter, I did have basic carpentry tools and a 3D printer. Once the cockpit itself was complete I switched to wiring and then eventually programming and scripting to allow the cockpit to interface with the computer and the simulator, DCS.
Ultimately this project was a great exercise in balancing precision and planing with production speed and on the fly problem solving.
SKILLS USED:
CAD, Laser Cutting, CNC Milling, Vertical Milling, Carpentry, 3D Printing, Soldering, Scripting
