RAF High G Training and Test Facility

The RAF High G Training and Test Facility was opened on 4 February 2019 at RAF College Cranwell to provide high-G training to Royal Air Force and Royal Navy fast jet pilots.[1]

The facility was created by Thales UK in collaboration with the RAF.[2]

Capabilities

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The 39 tonne Human Training Centrifuge can accelerate up to 9G in one second, rotating up to 34 times a minute at speeds of 55mph.[3][4]

Usage

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The simulator can be used by fast jet pilots to practice G-straining under the supervision of medical personnel.[5] The system contains a flight simulator that allows the pilot to "fly" and apply the G-forces as they would in a real aircraft. This is aided by its ability to simulate pitch and roll. The cockpit can be configured to match a Hawk T2, Typhoon or F35B Lightning.[6]

Pilots are expected to receive training on the simulator at least once every 5 years.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "New Fast Jet Training Takes Off". RAF. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  2. ^ "Thales UK High-G Training Facility Opened at RAF Cranwell By Howard Wheeldon, FRAeS, Wheeldon Strategic Advisory Ltd". battle-updates.com. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  3. ^ "High G Training and Test Facility". Thales Group. 2019-06-06. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  4. ^ "RAF Cranwell High G training facility | Galliford Try". www.gallifordtry.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  5. ^ Nicholls, Dominic; Gill, Marnie (2019-02-04). "Inside the RAF's new spinning machine: built to help pilots counter their G-force 'measles'". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  6. ^ Ellis, Cat (2019-05-06). "Taking a spin at the RAF's cutting-edge high-G training facility". TechRadar. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
  7. ^ Husseini, Talal (2019-02-04). "RAF pilots to use Thales High-G training facility at RAF Cranwell in UK". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 2023-10-03.