PLATO and flight simulation
PLATO and flight simulation
Dear Mike,
I read your post about PLATO and have a question that you might be able to answer or else put me through to someone who can.
I am the webmaster of the
Flight Simulator History website, which concentrates on the development of (Microsoft) Flight Simulator, developed by Bruce Artwick (subLOGIC). As such I am also very interested in where Artwick got his knowledge and inspiration.
As a student at the UoI he must have had extensive experience with the PLATO network. In 1975 he wrote his thesis about the 3D presentation of flight on a microcomputer. And although his micro-gear was quite different from the PLATO network with its nice (Digital?) graphic terminals, he must have had knowledge about developments like SPASIM, Airfight, Airrace etc.. No doubt they will have served a source of inspiration. He might even have borrowed some ideas or even algorithms.
Is there any more information available about the inner (and outer)workings of the mentioned programs that might support my supposition?
It is also said that in the years after his graduation Artwick wrote some articles about the subject of his thesis which rose the challenge by an editor that he should convert it into a commercial program. Which he did when in January 1980 his firm subLOGIC launched FS1 for the Apple II, a few months later followed by a version for the TRS-80. ANd we all know about the huge success even till today.
I would appreciate any info about the development of the above mentioned (or other) flightsim or 3D-programs from that period of 1973-1980. Thanks in advance.
Jos G.
