description Link Trainer Overview
The Link Trainer is a pioneering flight simulator developed by Edwin Link in 1929. It utilized a hydraulically driven system to replicate aircraft movements and sensations, providing realistic training for pilots. Primarily used during World War II, it trained vast numbers of military aviators and continues to be valued by aviation historians and enthusiasts studying early flight simulation technology.
insights Ranking position
Link Trainer ranks #23 of 104 in the Flight Simulator ranking, behind DCS: F-16C Viper, ahead of RealFlight 9.5.
balance Link Trainer Pros & Cons
- Pioneered instrument flight training
- Effective blind flying practice
- Reduced training risks
- Historically proven training value
- Crude motion simulation
- No external visuals
- Obsolete training technology
help Link Trainer FAQ
When was the Link Trainer invented?
The Link Trainer was invented by Edwin Link in 1929, making it the first mass-produced flight simulator in history. Originally developed to teach pilots how to fly using instruments, it became known colloquially as the 'Blue Box.'
Why was the Link Trainer important during World War II?
During World War II, the Link Trainer became essential for safely training thousands of Allied pilots before they ever stepped into a real combat aircraft. It allowed the military to teach instrument flying and navigation without risking lives or expending scarce aviation fuel.
How did the Link Trainer create realistic motion?
The Link Trainer simulated motion using a complex system of air-driven bellows and electric motors. These pneumatic systems allowed the wooden fuselage to bank, pitch, and vibrate in response to the pilot's control inputs, simulating the feel of real flight.
Who operated the Link Trainer during training exercises?
A dedicated instructor sat at a separate desk outside the trainer, operating a mechanical 'crab' navigational plotter. This device allowed the instructor to track the pilot's simulated flight path on a map in real-time and send them radio course corrections.
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