Effects of Motion Fidelity on Pilot Performance Using Mixed-Reality Visuals

This paper investigates the effects of simulator motion fidelity on pilot performance using
mixed-reality visuals. In NASA’s Vertical Motion Simulator, eleven pilots flew a lift-plus-cruise
electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle in a vertiport approach and landing task with four
different motion conditions: no motion, small hexapod motion, large hexapod motion, and full
motion. The simulator motion condition statistically significantly affected: 1) the severity of
cybersickness, 2) motion ratings, 3) final approach and take-off boundary crossing groundspeed,
4) longitudinal touchdown point, and 5) battery time remaining after landing. The findings
suggest that motion systems are essential in simulators with virtual- or mixed-reality visuals
when it is required to have pilot flying performance similar to that in real flight.