Cruden is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of interactive, motion-based racing simulators. Using the same professional equipment relied upon by Formula 1 teams and other top levels of international motorsport, Cruden simulators provide the most realistic and accurate motorsport experience available, which simply do not compare with ‘games’ machines on the market. 

Understanding entertainment

Cruden understands the needs of the entertainment market. It gives experience-based advice in relation to design concepts, simulator specification, financing and business models, and knows better than most how to support construction projects with rapid, hassle-free delivery and installation. Above all, the company understands the science of simulation and human physiology and takes that to pioneer new levels of visitor-led interaction. The company has manufactured and installed a fleet of distinctive simulator attractions for major theme parks and simulator centres globally, as well as supplying machines to karting venues and private individuals.

What a Cruden simulator can do for you

The simulator’s key strength is its ability to create a ‘wow factor’ to rival the most awe-inspiring roller coaster or karting experience; an encounter still only experienced by a rare few outside motorsport. It soon becomes the attraction of the attraction. Most who experience the instant quick-fire reactions of the simulator to driver input have never seen or felt anything quite like it. As soon as people drive it, they are hooked.

Attractions management companies turn to Cruden for repeat projects for five key reasons:

• Supplementary revenue stream within entertainment centres: 
In addition to locations where racing simulators are the sole attraction, Cruden simulators can provide a premium standalone attraction and a legitimate supplementary revenue channel within larger venues such as amusement parks or shopping malls. Single and double simulator attractions or dedicated simulator centres add visitor value by offering an exclusive interactive experience, in professional high-tech equipment in a realistic competition environment. Moreover, they give something to take away at the end: improved driving skills, a race victory, a fastest lap.

• Return customers: Cruden simulators work much harder to attract and lock-in repeat customers than passive rides or static arcade- style games. Bumper-to-bumper action and the fight to set the fastest lap time make for an addictive pastime. Driving Cruden simulators takes minutes to learn but a lifetime to master and drivers will want to hone their racing skills, or simply play some more. Even professional racing drivers are left with unfinished business. Experience shows that Cruden simulators build a loyal group of return customers, who are prepared to travel from a wide surrounding area and who are not affected by seasonal trends.

• Crowd generation: The interactive simulator is guaranteed to draw a constant gathering of spectators, returning high occupancy rates and higher revenues to nearby refreshment kiosks and pay-per-ride attractions. Cruden’s customers report time and again: as long as the simulator is kept running, the people will come.

• New visitor markets: Motorsport experiences typically attract the desirable male, 16-50 age group audience. This creates opportunities for some entertainment venues, their partners and advertisers – particularly those that traditionally attract families or children – to target additional demographic sectors and revenue sources and offer a more diverse offering.

• Low labour and energy costs. Cruden’s electro-mechanical system offers superior energy efficient compared to hydraulic machinery. It typically requires only 5 KWh of electricity which equals just a few microwave ovens or washing machines. This contributes to very low operational costs and supports venues’ environmental credentials. Additionally, between one and six simulators can be managed by a single operator, helping to make Cruden simulators an even more efficient prospect.

The simulator: designed by experts to excite
Each simulator can be modified to exact specifications, from the look of the hardware to the feel of the ride and handling; from the car being raced to race track, weather conditions and duration of the race.

• First impressions. To create the most realistic motorsport ambience, Cruden can supply open or closed cockpits, fit bodywork or use actual vehicles, and apply the livery of a race or road vehicle of your choice. In addition to realistic noises, smell and lighting can be added to create the desired first impression.

• Professional motorsports interior. Inside, the cockpit is furnished with a motorsport-specification steering wheel, race car paddle shifters and braking and acceleration pedals.  State-of-the-art graphics bring to life real race track and vehicle software options via in-house-built 42” monitors projectors on a curved screen that ‘wrap around’ the driver.

• Motion and force feedback. 
The secret ingredient of the Cruden package is its motion-cueing and force feedback algorithms – the complex and critical math translating driver input into motion response – created by Cruden engineers’ rare technical knowledge borne out of backgrounds in flight simulation development. The simulator’s interactive motion system provides six ‘degrees of freedom’: longitudinal, lateral, vertical, pitch, roll and yaw to give the most realistic vehicle dynamic reactions. Realistic g-Force simulation up to multiple g’s, seat belt tensioners and 100% realistic steering feedback provide the exact same feel as a real race car.

Each simulator delivers unlimited, repeatable performance over its long lifetime. Machines last for years without major overhaul thanks to Cruden’s expertise in developing the most durable simulation equipment for the military and professional flight and marine simulation industry.

Our background

Cruden B.V.’s heritage is in professional flight, marine and driving simulators. Originating from Fokker Aircraft Company, the company was previously known as FCS Racing Simulation and was renamed Cruden in 2006. In 2003, FCS took its flight simulation know-how and developed a racing simulator that combined a motion base with a detailed dynamic vehicle model, excellent motion-cueing software and professional image generation. The resulting simulator proved to be very realistic, judged by experienced test drivers, with simulator sickness of below 1%; evidence of good simulation. Since 2005, the company has been successful in securing projects both in the entertainment and industrial markets – where it is a trusted supplier to some Formula 1 teams – thereby gaining an excellent reputation in the vehicle simulator market place.

Cruden’s team of vehicle dynamicists, software developers, mechanical engineers and project managers bring more than 20 years’ globally scarce expertise in simulator development. The company’s headquarters are in Amsterdam and in 2009, Cruden launched a US operation to better serve the North American market.