The Museum has two types of simulators; the Motion-Based Simulator located on the Second Deck and the Top Gun Air Combat Simulator located on the Main Deck in the South Wing. Motion-Based Simulator The Motion-Based Simulator is a five-minute, multi-sensory experience that combines a movie-like audiovisual presentation using a high-definition projection screen and surround-sound, with the motion of the ride compartment. The fully enclosed simulator capsule, which accomodates up to 15 passengers, can move in six directions, allowing you to experience horizontal rolls, longitudinal pitches and vertical climbs. There are two different rides you may choose from in our Flight Simulator. In the Blue Angel Simulaton, riders experience flight in a Navy F/A-18 Hornet on a low level mission, including high performance turns and manuevers. Or you can take off from an aircraft carrier and do battle in the Iraqi desert in the Desert Storm Simulation.
Rides start every six to seven minutes and run continuously from 9:00am to 4:45pm. See the pricing page for individual and group rates. Look for discounts on combo packages that include IMAX® movies and simulator rides. Passengers must be three years or older to ride the Motion-Based Simulator.
Top Gun Air Combat Simulators Experience the thrill of flight in the Top Gun Air Combat Simulators. Test your flying skills inside the cockpit of a Navy F-14 Tomcat. After a pre-flight briefing, you will climb in, close the canopy and take off. Land on an aircraft carrier, engage in a dogfight and much more!
These four simulators, located off the Blue Angel Atrium, are the real deal. They were used to train more than 1,000 F-14 pilots during the 30 year length of service of the Tomcat. The simulators are painted in the livery of VF-84, "Jolly Rogers", a squadron that has been a constant presence in the US Navy since January 1943.
The ride costs $25 for one or two people and includes a pre-flight briefing and 20 thrilling minutes at the controls. The simulators are two-seaters with the pilot in the front seat and the radar intercept officer in the back seat. Gift certificates are available and Top Gun can also be reserved by the hour for private use (birthdays, special events, etc.) For information or to reserve your flight, call Top Gun at (850) 453-2389, extension 3276.