Ferrari has asked Moog to engineer the "the best driver simulator in formula one". http://www.f1complete.com/content/view/9841/900/
"But reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen is not a fan of using simulators to prepare for unfamiliar circuits." "To be honest, that's something I don't like," the Finn admitted. "I've always been able to get to know a new race track very fast." Now that is an open mind, if there ever was one.
I would say that resistance to new technology or supplemental methods to learn a new track is more the sign of a closed mind, no?
From Moog website Ferrari Selects Moog for Formula-1 Simulator 06/18/2008 EAST AURORA, N.Y. June 18, 2008 -- Moog Inc. (NYSE: MOG.A and MOG.B ) announced today that Ferrari has placed an order for the engineering, design, development and deployment of a next-generation driving simulator to be located at Ferrari's headquarters in Maranello, Italy. The system includes a driving simulator featuring a customized motion control solution with combined motion mechanism, control loading system, complete software package, top platform and a dedicated operator workstation. Marco Fainello, Head of the Car Performance and R&D Department for Scuderia Ferrari, stated, "The dynamic driving simulator is a new step for us in developing virtual tests that give drivers the true feel of a real environment and direct feedback on their actions. We have been impressed with Moog's motion control expertise and their ability to make every detail of the mechanical design a key to improving overall system performance, as well as the comfort and security of our drivers. This dynamic driving simulator will support the new breed of tests we are planning to launch to support our future success." "It is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our expertise in motion control and testing systems and develop a new breed of test system with our customer," said Pim van den Dijssel, Market Manager for Test Systems at Moog in Europe. "Ferrari selected Moog to provide an integrated motion control and testing system designed to meet specific and demanding requirements such as: higher levels of fidelity, efficiency and longevity." With more than 500 motion bases developed for leading customers around the world, Moog is a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of electric and hydraulic motion platforms that span a variety of key applications with payloads ranging from 1,000 Kg (2,200 lbs) to 14,500 Kg (32,000 lbs). Moog Inc. is a worldwide designer, manufacturer, and integrator of precision control components and systems. Moog's high-performance systems control military and commercial aircraft, satellites and space vehicles, launch vehicles, missiles, automated industrial machinery, marine and medical equipment. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.moog.com.
Hey Van - we have a mutual friend in the plumbing business here; I will send you a pm. Ihave a few friends who work for Moog (it's the next town over); theydid work on the airbus a380; I will see if I can get any inside scoop. Thanks Kevin S. Orchard Park, NY
