Combat flight simulators in MSP's Mall of America

[Chase 302]

 

While on a layover in MSP, I visited The Mall of America near the hotel.  On my way to the food court, on the third floor, I noticed this gem—A.C.E.S.

 

From the Mall of America website, it reads:

 

The simulators you fly at A.C.E.S. are the same models we designed and built for the world‘s largest defense contractor. Our Aerodome series of flight simulators, with the wrap-around view, gives you the feeling that you are actually flying a real airplane. And you are doing 100% of the flying... this is no "ride"! Best of all, you can choose between today's modern F/A-18 Hornet jet fighter, or legendary WWII flighters. Or fly both! It's great fun to compare fighter aircraft of different eras. When you take to the air at A.C.E.S. you literally feel what it is like to pilot famous fighters such as the F/A-18 Hornet, P-51 Mustang, and F4U Corsair. No aviation experience is required. But at this level of realism, it sure doesn‘t hurt. Just ask the real-world pilots who fly at A.C.E.S. every single day.

 

I wasn’t expecting to see something like this at a mall, and snapped some pictures of the place.  For all you folks that find yourself in MSP, check this place out.  The random picture of the Gulfstream “Product Support” truck was from my walk across the street.  I found it humorous how casual “product support” sounds for a 40 million dollar jet.