From Link Trainers to High-Fidelity Avionics: A Brief History of Flight Simulators and Simtek’s Role Since 1978

Early Flight Simulator

Flight simulators have come a long way—from simple mechanical trainers with wobbling platforms to today’s full-motion, high-fidelity devices packed with advanced avionics and visuals. Through much of that evolution, Simtek has been there in the background, designing and building the simulated avionics hardware that makes these systems feel real.

Since 1978, Simtek has helped bridge the gap between real cockpits and training devices, supporting programs across military, commercial, and general aviation.

The Early Days: Mechanical & Analog Simulators

The story of flight simulation began with basic mechanical trainers, built to teach pilots fundamental skills like instrument scanning and coordination. Early devices focused on:

• Basic attitude and heading simulation

• Simple instrument layouts

• Procedural training without motion or visuals

These systems were crude by modern standards, but they proved one powerful idea:

You can train pilots effectively without leaving the ground.

The Rise of Digital Simulators

As electronics and computing improved, simulators evolved from analog instruments to digital systems with:

• More accurate flight models

• Better instrument response

• Integration with early computer-driven visuals

This era introduced more sophisticated cockpits, more realistic procedures, and higher expectations from pilots and instructors. Simulators began to look and feel less like training “boxes” and more like real aircraft.

Full-Flight Simulators & High-Fidelity Training

With the development of full-flight simulators, high-fidelity training became the standard for both military and commercial aviation. Full-flight simulators added:

• Motion platforms

• Advanced visual systems

• Detailed, aircraft-specific cockpits

FULL MOTION SIMULATOR

At this stage, fidelity wasn’t just a bonus—it was critical. Pilots needed to see, reach for, and operate controls in the simulator exactly as they would in the aircraft.

That’s where specialized simulated avionics hardware became essential.

Simtek’s Contribution Since 1978

Founded in 1978, Simtek Inc. entered the industry at a time when simulators were becoming more capable, more complex, and more aircraft-specific. Over the decades, Simtek has contributed by:

• Designing and manufacturing simulated control panels tailored to specific aircraft platforms

• Building displays and instruments that match real-world avionics in form, fit, and function

• Supporting fast jets, cargo aircraft, rotorcraft, commercial airliners, and trainers

• Providing reliable, maintainable hardware for long-term simulator programs

As training requirements evolved—from basic procedures to mission rehearsal and advanced tactics—Simtek’s hardware helped ensure the cockpit environment kept pace.

Supporting Generations of Training Devices

Since 1978, Simtek has:

• Helped integrators and OEMs build new simulators for emerging platforms

• Supported upgrades and refreshes of legacy training devices

• Supplied replacement and retrofit parts to extend the life of existing simulators

• Worked closely with customers to customize hardware for their unique requirements

Through all that, one theme has remained constant:

If it’s in the cockpit, Simtek can help simulate it.

Our panels, displays, and instruments allow pilots and crews to train in environments that feel familiar, whether they’re stepping into a brand-new fifth-generation fighter sim or a refreshed trainer based on legacy airframes.

Today and Tomorrow: Innovation on Top of Experience

Modern simulators now blend:

• High-resolution visuals

• Networked training environments

• Complex avionics and mission systems

Even with all this digital sophistication, one thing hasn’t changed: pilots still interact with physical controls. That’s where Simtek continues to play a critical role—providing the tactile, visual, and functional realism at the heart of every cockpit.

With over four decades of experience behind us, we’re still focused on the same mission:

• High-fidelity simulated avionics

• Reliable hardware for serious training

• Support for current and future platforms

From the early days of analog simulation to today’s advanced training ecosystems, Simtek has been contributing since 1978—helping make flight simulators feel less like machines and more like real aircraft.

If you’re building or upgrading a simulator and need avionics hardware that lives up to that history, we’re ready to help.