The Abingdonian 2019

20 The Abingdonian Dambuster Visit Lawrence ‘Benny’ Goodman, the last surviving 617 ‘Dambuster’ Squadron pilot, opened the School’s new flight simulator suite donated by Tony Edwards, OA (1962) in November. Our existing flight simulator, also kindly donated by Tony Edwards, had proved a useful training and recruitment tool and we thought we should expand on this concept. With the new simulators we would be able to practise combat procedures and teach aerobatics on top of basic training. Having decided the scope of the project, I set about researching the components required. The basic concept was to create two flight simulators which could be linked together to allow for an instructor to teach a lesson to a student in the same aircraft, thus emulating a “real” aircraft. This would require two custom computers, and two identical flight simulator frames. During the Summer Term and over the holidays, I and other RAF section fifth year NCOs set about constructing the simulators. The whole experience gave us a tremendous understanding of engineering and electronics, with the fifth year cadets taking this experience to heart in order to compete to run the flight simulators over the next year. This took about two to three months in total and by the start of the Michaelmas Term we were ready to start final testing and configure the software. The software that the simulators run on is one of the most advanced pieces of flight simulation software available to date, with real-time airflow modelling and in-depth system simulation, with the ability to set any component in the aircraft to fail, giving the cadets an extra challenge! It is also compatible with Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, which allows the cadets to look around the cockpit as if they are sitting inside it. We have used this to provide greater immersion and to help build the cadets’ ability to correctly judge any situation they may find themselves in. This is key to being able to transfer their skills to real life, when they go on air experience flights at RAF Benson. With the software all set up and final checks complete, the opening ceremony was approaching. It was rather nerve- racking, as Squadron Leader Lawrence “Benny” Goodman would be attending to open the suite that was named after him. However, after an amazing lunch where Benny recounted his perilous missions during the Second World War in 617 Squadron (The Dambusters), we headed up to the CCF HQ building. With cadets from Radley and a wide range of Abingdon staff and boys present, the event was very well attended. Tony Edwards gave a gripping description of Benny Goodman’s many missions and achievements, and after a short break for tea and coffee Benny opened the suite to much fanfare. All of those who attended got a chance to fly a circuit in the Grob Tutor training aircraft, the same aircraft that the cadets would fly at RAF Benson. In all, the flight simulator project provided a unique and unparalleled insight into engineering and project management for all of the RAF NCOs involved. We are extremely grateful to Tony Edwards for donating both of the flight simulator suites in use. John Dickson, 7JEF