A Look At The AXSIM Formula Simulator

Sim Racing motion simulators come in various shapes and sizes, but even more importantly in various price ranges. While motion systems have become more affordable and have now reached the demanding gamers and sim racing enthusiasts, there is also a ultra-high market for the professionals, and wealthy “toys for boys” clients. To be politically correct, this also goes for wealthy girls.

With the popularity growth of sim racing, also the upper-market brands have widened their horizons, and we have seen some of the brands either partnering up, or initiating sub-brands for their top-tier product lineup.

One of those brands is Cranfield Simulation, which is a company based in the United Kingdom and is part of Cranfield Aerospace Solutions Limited (CAeS), globally renowned for supplying sustained g-cueing products to the world’s military simulators. Cranfield Simulation designs manufacture builds and integrates complete simulation solutions. The company previously supplied simulators to F1, NASCAR, and LMP teams and has become a D-BOX Certified Partner and markets the world’s only FIA licensed haptic system. Cranfield Technology is also an exclusive motorsport integrator of G-Seat patented technology.

Recently Cranfield Simulation introduced the GFQ Simulator as a compact modular turnkey solution for the advanced enthusiast and professionals. The GFQ Simulator features a unique combination of both an aluminum extrusion base and steel tubular frame.

However, for their upper-market luxury products featuring state-of-the-art motion technology, Cranfield Simulation now launched the AXSIM sub-brand offering bespoke racing simulators specifically designed for both commercial and luxury home installations.

The AXSIM Formula Simulator is a motion simulator chassis visually enhanced with a body formed from a real-world Formula body mould, that positions the driver in the exact seating position as in a real formula car. The AXSIM Formula Simulator is equipped with high-end sim racing peripherals, high-standard surround audio, and the best selection of single or triple screen setups.

From an aesthetic point of view, the AXSIM Formula Simulator body is available in a number of colors, or you can commission a one-off unique design by well known visualisation artist and livery designer Sean Bull.

The Formula Simulator is available in 4 different “ready-to-race” stages, ranging from a high-end home entertainment unit, up to a professional driver training setup.

The base version simulates the suspension via an FIA-approved D-BOX suspension platform, while on stage 2, curved rails are added allowing the simulator to move freely to simulate yaw movements. The third stage adds the patented Cranfield G-Seat technology to create the sensation of g-forces, while the top-end PRO system, replicates very rapid minor movements, such as the compression of the body under extreme g-force.

The formula simulator is energy-efficient and can be powered by a regular mains supply, while taking up no more room than an actual car.

Pricing

• Motion version – £36,000 VAT excluded if applicable.
• Full-Motion version – £59,500 VAT excluded if applicable
• Full-Motion + G-Force version – £99,000 VAT excluded if applicable
• Full-Motion + G-Force PRO version – £POA VAT excluded if applicable

The purchase includes a 12 months warranty, and initial training and tuning. Finance options are available.

The AXSIM simulators are compatible with all leading software titles including rFactor, rFactor 2, Assetto Corsa, iRacing, Project CARS and many others. 

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Official Webpages – www.cranfieldsimulation.com –  www.axsim.racing

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AXSIM Formula Features:

Motion – D-BOX Haptic System

The result of 20 years of innovation and perfection is the world’s first and only haptic system licensed by the FIA, the governing body of motorsport. Our Formula Simulator uses four dynamic actuators to accurately replicate the suspension of the racecar – allowing the driver to feel not only the sensation of movement but even the smallest details such as vibrations and cracks in the surface of the racetracks.

Full-Motion + Cranfield Yaw Platform

The yaw platform is situated at the base of the simulator and is used to simulate lateral movements of the rear end of the vehicle. This is necessary to feel the limits of traction of the rear tyres, which cannot be achieved by solely depending on the visual system. It is only with a good yaw motion system that a driver can consistently drive right at the edge of the tyre grip limits.

Transitioning from one corner to the next is also felt through this module particularly, for example, driving through high speed chicanes.

G-Force + Cranfield G-Seat

In a real car, accelerations are transmitted to the driver through the seat. As the largest surface area that the body is in contact with, reproducing the same sensations in the simulator is highly important. Within the lining of the seat and belts we fit our unique pneumatic pressure modules to provide sustained g-cueing. Multiple airbags expand and contract to provide sustained pressure, simulating the g-forces felt when cornering, braking and accelerating.

The technology has been derived from our wealth of experience within the aerospace industry and is unique to Cranfield.

G-Force Pro + Cranfield PRO System

The Proportional Rapid Onset (PRO) System allows the seat itself to move independently of the other simulator modules. The seat movements can accurately replicate very minor and fast movements that cannot be produced by the main suspension platforms.

For example, the driver’s eye height can be moved downwards in the cockpit upon braking which is typically what happens in a real-life scenario, particularly in faster formula vehicles where the body is compressed. It can also be used to replicate very quick accelerations whether laterally or longitudinally.

AXSIM Formula Components

All of the above systems come equipped with the following high-end components to complete your simulator.

Precision Sim Engineering GPX Wheel

Used by professional racing drivers and sim racers around the world, the GPX wheel is engineered for immersion. The GPX features a full-color LCD display and long-lasting polyurethane grips. Optional dual-clutch paddles with an adjustable bite point, magnetic gear shifters and carbon fibre paddles.

Simucube 2 Steering Motor

With up to 25 Nm of torque a direct drive motor is the only known method to achieve sub-millisecond latency and real-life race car dynamic range.

Alkentech Brakes

Hydraulic pedals developed in collaboration with Cranfield Simulation, widely regarded as the ultimate sim racing pedals. Made from high quality CNC machined aluminium for maximum durability, strength and looks.

Motorsport Harness

Real 6 point harness with quick release buckle available in a choice of colours to complement your design.

KEF Speaker System

Dual KEF ultra-high-performance loudspeakers featuring patented Uni-Q® technology with a 25mm high frequency tweeter mounted in the acoustic centre of the 165mm low frequency woofer delivering exceptionally hi fidelity audio.

REGA Amplifier

Multi-award winning amplifiers from Rega delivering either 30W or 50W of power, designed and assembled in the UK to the highest possible standard with a lifetime warranty.

Cyberpower PC

A built-in high performance PC comes pre-configured and ready-to-race on your favourite race circuits from around the world, laser-scanned to millimetre detail.

SteelSeries Arctis Headset

Designed specifically for PC gaming, enjoy the award-winning sound, comfortable design, and durable quality of Arctis wireless gaming headsets. Every Arctis headset comes with over 20 hours battery life and a Discord-certified microphone ideal for gaming.

Samsung Display

As standard our Formula Simulator is supplied with an external Samsung 65″ 4K Ultra HD display, with the option to upgrade to a large (up to 98″) single screen or triple screens for an immersive experience.

Samsung The Wall

The Wall is a new innovation in home entertainment — a super-sized bespoke display starting at a whopping 110″. The Wall delivers extraordinary picture quality with striking contrast and lifelike colours, incredible levels of brightness — in any light.

Exclusive Design Service

Your simulator will be painted in your choice of external colour, or commission a one-off unique design by well-known F1 graphic designer, Sean Bull.