Energy efficient electro-mechanical motion system uses 5 KWh of electricity and adapts to entertainment, automotive, military, and other applications with unique motion-cueing algorithms.

Cruden B.V., a designer and manufacturer of interactive motion-based simulators, has installed its first two Hexatech 3CTR race car simulators at Weston-Super-Mare Grand Pier. The simulators are the exact same professional equipment as used by racing drivers and engineers in Formula One and other international motorsport championships for training, race car development, and off-track testing.

The Hexatech 3CTR uses full motion or six degrees of freedom, highly accurate force feedback, and realistic g-force simulation. Each simulator has three seats.

The simulators offer guests races in Formula One, rally cross, and sports cars on a variety of tracks, and even though the Grand Pier is completely under cover, drivers can even choose whether to race in the rain. Wannabes Lewis Hamiltons and Jenson Buttons can race against each other when the two systems are linked together. Cruden is able to modify its simulators for the attractions market to exact specifications, supplying open or closed cockpits, fitting car bodywork or mounting actual vehicles into a motion platform. Its software offers a broad ‘pick and mix’ range of options which include vehicle models, tracks and race cars, and various other upgrades, available throughout the long life of the simulator. In addition to realistic noises, smell and lighting can be added to create the desired ambience.

The secret ingredient of the Cruden package is its highly developed motion-cueing algorithms – the complex and critical math which translates driver input into motion and force feedback response via the simulator’s interactive motion platform and control loading. Movement through six degrees of freedom, seat belt tensioners and near 100%  realistic steering feedback provide the exact same feel as a real race car as judged by experienced test drivers. Simulator sickness of below 1% is further evidence of good simulation.

Each simulator can be modified to exact specifications, from the look of the hardware to the feel of the ride and handling. A user-friendly ‘Race Manager’ program allows track and vehicle selection. Cruden simulators deliver unlimited, repeatable performance over their long lifetime. Machines can last for years without major overhaul thanks to Cruden’s expertise in developing durable simulation equipment for the military and professional flight and marine simulation industry.

The simulator’s design includes an energy efficient electromechanical motion system, which typically requires only 5 KWh of electricity to operate. It has seat belt tensioners and realistic steering feedback.

Simulators are fully compatible with Matlab/ Simulink and seamless integration of simulation models through CarSim and VeDYNA.

The simulator’s image generation process significantly reduced motion blur as well as real-time CG shadowing and environment mapping.

Originating from Fokker Aircraft Company, the Cruden company was previously known as FCS Racing Simulation and was renamed Cruden in 2006. In 2003, FCS took its flight simulation know-how and developed a racing simulator that combined a motion base with a detailed dynamic vehicle model, excellent motion-cueing software and professional image generation.

Since 2005, the company has been successful in securing projects both in the entertainment and industrial markets – where it is a supplier to some Formula 1 teams.

Cruden’s team of vehicle dynamicists, software developers, mechanical engineers and project managers are headquartered in Amsterdam, but in 2008 Cruden launched a US operation.

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