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The University of Salford's Engineering Discipline Group within the School of Computing, Science and Engineering has this week added a moving-base flight simulator to its existing range of fixed base simulators. Salford is now only one of eight UK Universities to own the Merlin MP520-T Flight Simulator. The practical laboratory tool is designed to enhance the teaching of engineering.

One of the students, Mr Alastair Gray, has already commenced his project under the supervision of his tutor, Dr Thurai Rahulan, on the installation and commissioning of the simulator in Newton Building where the School is based.

Salford has been producing aeronautical engineers for many years and is today home to over 300 students studying courses in this dynamic, exciting and important field. Students studying on our Pilot Studies programme already benefit from the opportunity to fly real aeroplanes out of Barton aerodrome but this new flight simulator will enable students to experience flying aeroplanes that they have designed. The possibilities for teaching, research and development are enormous and soon all students will be benefiting from this important addition to Salford's already well equipped aeronautical engineering laboratories. Salford even boasts privileged access to the RJX and Concorde aircraft located at Manchester Airport.

The simulator comprises of a fully-enclosed single seat capsule mounted on a electric motion system. The interior is fitted with cockpit controls such as a side-stick, rudder pedals and levers for throttles, flaps, spoilers,etc. The main visual system with an integrated head-up display is complemented with two secondary instrumentation displays. Engine and aerodynamic noise acoustics is included in the package.

The external console for the Instructor is equipped with a more comprehensive set of displays, override facilities and a two-way voice link to the Pilot. The sophisticated flight software system within the simulator control computer contains a variety of generic aircraft, airfield and meteorological data which are user modifiable.

The MP520-T will provide the essential link between knowledge-based theoretical equations and experience-based actual flight feel factors. It will also enable the students to be subjected to real pilot workloads needed to maintain favourable aircraft behaviour throughout a complete mission under a range of weather conditions. Without this tool, the students' comprehension of operational requirements would be limited to 'imagination sessions' in classrooms.

Salford University has had an association with the aerospace sector for decades due to concentration of associated industries within close proximity such as Warton, Broughton, Samlesbury, Barnoldswick, Lostock, Chadderton, Woodford, RAF Woodvale, Barton Aerodrome and Manchester Airport. As a result, the portfolio of study programmes offered now spans from the mathematically intensive taught MSc in Aerospace Engineering at postgraduate level to the finance/management focussed BSc with Honours in Aerospace Business Systems.

Dr Rahulan added this welcome addition to the School's extensive list of aeronautical learning tools will open new areas of teaching and research that have until now been considered inconceivable within these university walls.

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Contact the press team on +44 (0)161 295 5361 or email press-office@salford.ac.uk