Model 300-X
The 300‑X is designed to support FAA Level 1–7 training devices, including AATD, FTD, and CPT applications, providing accurate, repeatable force feedback for professional training and evaluation environments.
Model 400-X High Force, High Fidelity Feedback Servo-Based Control Loader
Professional Feedback Control Loading for Certified and Advanced Training Devices
The 400‑X Control Loader is a servo‑based feedback control loading system engineered for professional and certified flight simulation environments. It is designed to deliver high‑fidelity, repeatable force feel for flight controls used in full‑flight simulators, advanced training devices, and research platforms.
Developed for demanding simulator applications, the 400‑X supports FAA Level D full‑flight simulator architectures, as well as FFS, CPT, FTD, and AATD configurations when integrated into qualified systems. Its all‑electric, servo‑driven design provides precise force response, low latency, and long‑term operational reliability without the maintenance burden of hydraulic control loading systems.
Servos & Simulation engineers the 400‑X for environments where control feel accuracy, repeatability, and lifecycle support are critical to training validity and regulatory evaluation.
Standard Specifications for 400-X Systems include:
- Force at Pushrod is 1000 Lbs max, 500 Lbs continuous (others available)
- Velocity at Pushrod is 25 in/sec
- Actuator Stroke is 5 in max, 4 in usable (others available)
- Actuator Bandwidth is 100Hz or greater
- Iteration Rate is 4000Hz or better
- Latency (Ethernet) is less that 1ms
- Analog to Digital Converter is 16-bit high speed with a conversion time 3us
- Digital to Analog Converter is 16-bit high speed with a settling time 0us, conversion time of 1.04us
What the 400‑X Control Loader Is Used For
The 400‑X is used to replicate aircraft‑specific control forces in professional simulation systems, enabling realistic pilot interaction with flight controls during training, evaluation, and research.
The system can be configured to support:
- Yokes
- Cyclic controls
- Pedals
- Collectives
- Throttles
- Custom control mechanisms for fixed‑wing and rotary‑wing aircraft
By applying accurate force gradients, breakout forces, friction modeling, and dynamic response, the 400‑X allows simulator operators to meet the control loading performance expectations required in certified training environments. Its servo‑based architecture enables precise tuning and long‑term consistency, making it well suited for simulators that must remain in service for decades.
300‑X vs. 400‑X Control Loaders
The 300‑X and 400‑X control loaders share Servos & Simulation’s core servo‑based control loading architecture but are engineered for different levels of simulator fidelity and certification requirements.
Model 400-x
The 400‑X, by contrast, is engineered for higher‑force, higher‑fidelity applications and is intended to support FAA Level D full‑flight simulator architectures.
FAA Level D Support and Certified Simulator Integration
The 400‑X Control Loader is engineered to support FAA Level D full‑flight simulator architectures and other certified training device configurations, including FFS, CPT, FTD, and AATD applications. Its design emphasizes the force fidelity, repeatability, and stability required for integration into qualified simulator systems subject to regulatory evaluation.
In certified environments, control loading performance is a critical contributor to overall simulator fidelity. The 400‑X provides consistent and repeatable force characteristics that allow simulator developers and operators to meet aircraft‑specific control feel requirements as part of a compliant simulation architecture. Final regulatory approval depends on system‑level integration and qualification; the 400‑X is designed to support those processes through predictable behavior and robust documentation.
Servos & Simulation has extensive experience supporting control loading implementations used in FAA‑approved full‑flight simulators, informing the engineering decisions behind the 400‑X platform.
Servo‑Based Control Loading Architecture
The 400‑X employs an all‑electric, servo‑based control loading architecture to deliver precise, low‑latency force feedback for professional simulation applications. This approach enables accurate reproduction of control forces, breakout characteristics, friction modeling, and dynamic response across the operating envelope of the simulated aircraft.
Unlike hydraulic control loading systems, a servo‑based architecture offers:
- High force resolution and repeatability
- Deterministic response with minimal latency
- Reduced maintenance and operational complexity
- Long‑term stability for continuous simulator use
The servo‑driven design allows precise tuning of force profiles and supports long‑term consistency, making the 400‑X well suited for simulators that must remain operational and supportable over multi‑decade service lifecycles.
Enjoy peace of mind with a full one-year warranty and lifetime technical support, with extended warranties available. Elevate your simulation training with the Model 400-X today!
Certification Support and System Design
The 400‑X is engineered to support FAA Level D training device applications and has been integrated into simulators for aircraft platforms such as UH-1N, AH-64, MH-60, and many more training configurations when deployed within qualified systems. Its modular electronics architecture and streamlined cabling design enable straightforward installation, simplified maintenance, and long‑term operational durability.
All major components are based on commercial off‑the‑shelf (COTS) hardware, with application‑specific adaptations implemented as required to meet simulator performance and integration objectives.
Flight Control Software Model
Coupled mass system. Model includes cable spring, coupled mass, friction, damping, aero hinge moment, aero damping, boost actuators, non-linear gearing, breakout, centering spring, for and aft stops (fixed or movable), trim, autopilot engage, weight on nose wheel, nose wheel velocity and nose wheel velocity angle.
Control Parameters from Host
Dynamic pressure, roll rate, pitch rate, yaw rate, dynamic pressure divided by velocity, boost oil pressure, autopilot command, autopilot engage, weight on nose wheel, nose wheel velocity, and nose wheel angle.
Variables to Host
Stick positions, Pedal position, Surface positions, control forces, nose wheel angle, nose wheel force, error code. Others available upon request.
Safety
The safety system in the control loader monitors the output to the DAC that drives the electronics. Monitoring the DAC allows the safety software to abort the system if the command to the electronics is excessive.
In addition to the analog variables monitored by the safety software, the enable command to the electronics has a one-shot that must be continuously re-triggered by the software. Should the software halt for any reason, the one-shot will time out and the loader will abort. E-Stop safety switches can be utilized for a mechanical abort.
Fixed Wing Aircraft Experience
Rotary Wing - Helicopter Experience
Robinson R-44
Airbus HH-65 Dolphin
Sikorsky MH-60 / SH-60 Seahawk
Bell B212
Bell UH-1N Twin Huey
Boeing AH-64 Apache
Boeing AH-64 Apache Longbow
Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low
Boeing CH-47 Chinook
And more that we are not allowed to name (NDA)
Rotary Wing System Applications
- Collective Lever
- Cyclic Stick
- Directional
- Pedals
Terrain and Nautical Applications
- Steering Wheels
- Joystick Controls
Fixed-Wing Systems Applications - FAA Level D
- Flight Stick, Wheel & Column
- Rudder Pedals
- Throttle Controls
- Auto-Pilots
- Trim and Tillers
Support and Warranty
Every Model 400‑X system is delivered with a one‑year warranty and includes lifetime phone and email technical support from Servos & Simulation. Extended warranty options are available to support long‑term program requirements.
FAQ
The Model 400‑X is a high-performance, servo-driven control loading system designed to provide precise, realistic force feedback for simulator controls in advanced and certification-level simulation environments.
The Model 400‑X is used in FAA Level D full-flight simulators and other high-fidelity training systems where accurate, repeatable control feedback is critical.
The “X” indicates the number of control axes in the system. Aircraft configurations typically use 3 axes (pitch, roll, yaw), with additional axes available for throttles, nose wheel steering, or other controls.
The Model 400‑X delivers dynamic, high-precision force feedback that responds in real time to simulation inputs, accurately replicating the feel of real aircraft controls.
Level D simulators require the highest level of realism and repeatability. The Model 400‑X provides the precision, responsiveness, and stability necessary to meet these demanding performance requirements.
Yes. The system can be configured for different axis counts, control types, and performance requirements to meet specific simulator and training needs.
Interested?
Contact us for more information
For all inquiries, contact Servos & Simulation to discuss technical requirements, program alignment, and procurement timelines.