Flight simulators
Fly and experience firsthand the excitement of aerial battles!
Virtual Reality flight simulator
In the museum’s newer simulator, you can use a virtual reality headset that makes the simulation experience highly immersive. The use of VR technology has become increasingly common both in flight training and among flight simulation enthusiasts. VR headset-and-controller setups similar to the one used in the museum’s simulator are widely used in pilot training around the world.
The simulator’s controls differ in appearance from those of the original aircraft, but this is compensated for by a much more realistic visual experience. The VR view fills the user’s entire field of vision, creating a significantly more immersive experience than before. Visitors can choose from several different flight missions according to their interests and skill level.
The simulator also uses newer software, with a considerably more accurate model of the Messerschmitt and improved graphics throughout compared with the older simulator. The simulator uses the commercial IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles flight simulator, which currently offers one of the most detailed and versatile simulations of different Bf 109 variants.
There is no minimum height requirement for this simulator.
The simulator also allows visitors to try out different types of aircraft, from First World War biplanes onwards, depending on their interests. The main focus, however, is on simulating the Bf 109, and the controls have been configured primarily with this aircraft in mind.
Messerschmitt Bf 109 -simulator
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 simulator is located at the back of the museum’s exhibition hall, in a separate darkened space. Built from plywood, it closely resembles the cockpit of an actual Messerschmitt Bf 109 aircraft. The museum’s simulator has been available for visitors to use since 2012, and its technical solutions are now somewhat dated.
The simulator uses the flight simulation software IL-2 Sturmovik: 1946, released in 2006. At the time of its release, it was regarded as one of the world’s most advanced flight simulators for recreating aerial combat during the Second World War.
The simulator is operated by two computers: one controls the instrument panel and the other runs the simulation software. Three video projectors project the visual image onto three screens, providing a 270-degree field of view. Only one person can fly the simulator at a time. A museum operator is present throughout the experience to monitor the computers and assist the pilot.
The minimum height for the simulator is 150 cm.
More information on simulator flights can be obtained from the museum’s restoration page by e-mail (restaurointi(a)ilmavoimamuseo.fi) or by phone +358 40 822 1462. If you want to book a simulator flight for a time other than Saturday, a flight for your group or for a longer time slot than an hour, please call us!
The flight can also be purchased for a friend with a gift card, which can be obtained from the Air Force Museum ticket booth or by sending an e-mail to jenni.siik(a)ilmavoimamuseo.fi.
The cockpit part and equipment of the Messerschmitt simulator have been donated by the Aviation Museum Society. The partners of the Aviation Museum Society for the implementation of the project have been: The National Defence Support Foundation, the Urlus Foundation, Virtual Pilots ry and the Finnish Military History Society SSHS ry. The simulator has been assembled in cooperation with the Finnish Air Force Museum, the Aviation Museum Association and Virtual Pilots.