A motion platform

An apparatus for maintaining a support platform and a payload mountable thereon in near neutral equilibrium relative to a base structure, the support platform being spaced from the base structure by a plurality of actuators which provide the support platform with six degrees of freedom relative to the base structure about longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes, the apparatus comprising:

• a substantially upright strut mountable between the base structure and support platform for supporting the weight of the support platform and payload,
• a first balance assembly for counteracting forces imparted on the strut when the payload is moved longitudinally and/or laterally with respect to the base structure,
• a second balance assembly for counteracting forces imparted on the support platform when the payload is pivoted about the longitudinal and/or lateral axes with respect to the base structure,
• wherein the forces counteracted by the first balance assembly and the second balance assembly reduce the load imparted on the actuators by the payload.

A motion platform comprising:

• a base structure;
• a support platform for mounting a payload thereon;
• a plurality of actuators connected between the base structure and the support platform, the actuators providing the support platform with six degrees of freedom relative to the base structure about longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes;
• a substantially upright strut mountable between the base structure and support platform for supporting the weight of the support platform and payload,
• a first balance assembly for counteracting forces imparted on the strut when the payload is moved longitudinally and/or laterally with respect to the base structure,
• a second balance assembly for counteracting forces imparted on the support platform when the payload is pivoted about the longitudinal and/or lateral axes with respect to the base structure,
• wherein the forces counteracted by the first balance assembly and the second balance assembly reduce the load imparted on the actuators by the payload.