Airborne Composites has designed, built and installed the dome structure for FKFS (Forschungsinstitut für Kraftfahrwesen und Fahrzeugmotoren Stuttgart) and was the main contractor for the projectors, air-conditioning and electrical systems. The dome is produced from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to obtain a high ratio of stiffness versus a very low mass. This combination leads to a high natural frequency, which means that also vibrations and fast movements can be simulated. In 2005, Airborne has supplied a similar dome to BMW, also made in carbon fibre, which is successfully operated since then.

FKFS is part of the University of Stuttgart and tests systems that will be used in cars in the (near) future. Using a Driving Simulator Dome provides flexibility as not to be depended on uncontrollable weather or traffic situations. Experiments can be repeated in controlled circumstances, where only the test driver is the variable.   

The structure was engineered and manufactured at the Airborne facility in Ypenburg / The Hague, and is equipped to handle the 3G forces applied to it. Both prepreg as well as vacuum infusion processes were used to produce the various CFRP parts. Special in this was that all materials are fire retardant according to the European standard B1. Furthermore, the carbon fibre Dome blocks all GPS signals and GSM signals. This provides even more independence from the outside world, when testing delicate or alternate electrical systems in this Dome. 

The dome is mounted on a hexapod and an x-y table to deliver the most realistic movement experience. The use of a hexapod is normal for a simulator, the x-y table provides lateral movement in the horizontal plane to trick the test drivers brain even more, just to simulate that life-like experience. Inside the dome 12 HD projectors provide superior images 360 degrees around the car on a smooth projection surface. The floor of the Dome has a diameter of 5,5 meters, large enough to place a large sized consumer car such as the BMW- 7 series or Mercedes S-class. The outer diameter is 5,7 meter, and height approx 3,5 meters.The dome is air-conditioned and many safety features are installed to provide a pleasant and safe feeling when experiencing the dome.   

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