The History of the Motion Simulator
Motion simulators have been used for years to prepare pilots for flight or to train astronauts who are off to outer space. Nowadays, they are a big hit at modern fairgrounds and amusement parks, giving anyone with a little imagination the chance to try out a new experience! How did the motion simulator move from training people for dangerous jobs to a funfair ride classic?
The first motion simulator was created in 1910, and it was called the "Sanders Teacher". It was developed to help with pilot training, and it aimed to move the pilot-in-training at different angles, to simulate what it would be like to be in a real plane.
Back at the start of the twentieth century, hardly anyone had travelled by plane, and so this motion simulator was necessary to train brave new pilots.
In 1929, this model was improved by Edwin Link, and it was named the "Link Trainer". The new model included a control stick for the pilot, meaning that the person in the motion simulator could actually control the movement in the simulator, and get a more realistic picture of what they would be facing in the skies.
This movement was controlled by bellows under the simulator cockpit, which would inflate and deflate to mimic plane movements.
Motion Simulators as Arcade Entertainment
However, it wasn't until the 1950s that motion simulators started to come together with powerful imagery and videos to display what the passenger is actually doing, such as flight simulation, driving simulation or amusement rides.
In the 1980s, arcade video games started to use motion simulators. This was after the release of "Space Tactics" in 1981, a game that used a space combat simulator to add an extra level of exciting entertainment to the video game experience.
The game "Hang On" from 1985 also used a similar idea, with players sitting on a motion simulator motorbike to control what was happening on the screen during the game.
From driving a racing car to flying a plane, motion simulators are the next best thing when it comes to trying out fun and thrilling new experiences.
At We Are Tricycle, we have a fantastic motion simulator for you to try out at your next event! Hire our motion simulators for your corporate event, birthday party or community celebration across the UK to transport your guests up to the skies in an aeroplane or around a terrifying rollercoaster.
Our state of the art, realistic motion simulators are the perfect addition to events for people of all ages, and we regularly deliver this unique ride to parties, fetes and festivals with adults and kids.
Contact us now to find out more about our range of motion simulators and other fairground rides, or get in touch to book our motion simulator for your next big office party or fun celebration.