Agard Flight Test Technique Series Volume 19 Simulation in Support of Flight Testing
Agard Flight Test Technique Series Volume 19 Simulation in Support of Flight Testing
Agard Flight Test Technique Series Volume 19 Simulation in Support of Flight Testing
19
AC/323(SCI)TP/27
NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION
RTO-AG-300 Vol. 19
© RTO/NATO 2000
Single copies of this publication or of a part of it may be made for individual use only. The approval of the
RTA Information Policy Executive is required for more than one copy to be made or an extract included in
another publication. Requests to do so should be sent to the address above.
This AGARDograph has been sponsored by the SCI-055 Task Group, the Flight Test Technology
Team of the Systems Concepts and Integration Panel (SCI) of RTO.
Edited by
Dennis O. Hines
This AGARDograph has been sponsored by the SCI-055 Task Group, the Flight Test Technology
Team of the Systems Concepts and Integration Panel (SCI) of RTO.
The Research and Technology
Organization (RTO) of NATO
RTO is the single focus in NATO for Defence Research and Technology activities. Its mission is to conduct and promote
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• SAS Studies, Analysis and Simulation
• SCI Systems Concepts and Integration
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• IST Information Systems Technology
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• HFM Human Factors and Medicine
• MSG Modelling and Simulation
These Panels are made up of national representatives as well as generally recognised ‘world class’ scientists. The Panels also
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recognised the importance of scientific support for the Allied Armed Forces. RTO is capitalising on these common roots in
order to provide the Alliance and the NATO nations with a strong scientific and technological basis that will guarantee a
solid base for the future.
ISBN 92-837-1043-6
ii
Simulation in Support of Flight Testing
(RTO AG-300 Volume 19)
Executive Summary
Flight testing continues to remain an essential step in the development or modification of an aircraft.
Modern fixed wing aircraft are highly complex systems that push the edges of aerodynamic,
propulsion, and control system technologies. Many of these technologies are integrated together and
dependent upon each other. Certainly, modern military aircraft ranging from the F-22 to the EF2000
push the boundaries of capabilities that can be built into an aircraft. Commercial transportation such as
Airbus’s A310 and Boeing’s 777 incorporate many aircraft advances that were first used in military
airplanes. The ever-increasing complexity of the aircraft presents new challenges to those who are
involved in the flight testing of those vehicles. For over 40 years simulation has played a key role in
flight testing. As the aircraft continue to evolve in complexity, the role of simulation continues to
grow. Every major aircraft developer, whether they are commercial or military, depends on the use of
simulation to some degree. The application of these simulations to flight testing is an important aspect
of the aircraft’s development. Each year, dozens of symposium and conferences are held around the
world to discuss simulation and its uses. As computer technology continues to evolve at an
accelerating pace, the field of simulation continues to expand with it. Unfortunately, very little has
been written to document how simulation can be effectively used to support flight testing.
The purpose of this AGARDograph is to provide an introduction to simulation and how it can be used
to support flight testing of fixed-wing aircraft. Simulation of rotary wing aircraft is a similar but
different subject and should be covered in a separate report. This AGARDograph has been written
from the perspective of trying to provide a flight test engineer the basic information in how to
effectively use simulation to support flight testing and what must be considered when developing a
simulation that is to be used for flight test support. The first chapter introduces the reader to simulation
and its role in supporting flight testing. Chapter two provides a history and overview of simulation and
the benefits of using it to support testing. Chapter three provides an in-depth discussion of the various
types of simulation and the unique test role played by each of those simulations. Chapter four focuses
on what needs to be considered when developing a simulation including the types of models, the visual
scene presented to the pilot, and how to verify and validate the simulation. Chapter five presents a
discussion on how to apply simulation to a flight test program. Chapter six presents some ideas as to
where simulation in support of flight testing is headed in the future. The book ends by drawing some
conclusions. First, the type of simulation is based on the intended use of the simulation. Second, the
simulation models must be built from adequate data and they must be verified and validated for use in
the simulation. Third, a simulation visual system is required and must be tailored to fit the designed use
of the simulation. Fourth, simulation will continue to be a tool used to increase the effectiveness and
efficiency of flight testing and should not be used as a total substitute for flight dynamics flight testing.
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la Simulation pour le soutien des essais en vol
(RTO AG-300 Volume 19)
Synthèse
Les essais en vol continuent de représenter une étape indispensable dans le développement ou la
modification d’un aéronef. Les aéronefs à voilure fixe modernes sont des systèmes très complexes à la
pointe des technologies de l’aérodynamique, de la propulsion et des systèmes de pilotage. Beaucoup de
ces technologies sont intégrées et interdépendantes. Il est certain que les spécifications des avions de
combat modernes, allant du F22 à l’EF 2000, se situent aux limites des capacités pouvant être intégrées
dans un aéronef. Les avions commerciaux tels que l’Airbus A310 et le Boeing 777 incorporent bon
nombre d’avancées technologiques utilisées d’abord dans des avions militaires. La complexité sans
cesse croissante des aéronefs présente de nouveaux défis à relever pour ceux qui sont impliqués dans
les essais en vol de ces véhicules. Depuis plus de 40 ans, la simulation joue un rôle clé dans les essais
en vol. Avec l’évolution de la complexité des aéronefs modernes, le rôle de la simulation ne cesse de
s’amplifier. Chaque avionneur, qu’il soit commercial ou militaire, fait appel, dans une certaine mesure,
à la simulation. L’application de ces simulations aux essais en vol est un aspect important du
développement d’un aéronef. Chaque année, des dizaines de conférences sont organisées dans le
monde entier pour discuter de la simulation et de ses applications. L’évolution des techniques de
simulation suit l’évolution fulgurante de l’informatique. Malheureusement, il n’existe que très peu
d’indications sur l’application de la simulation aux essais en vol.
Cette AGARDographe a pour objet de fournir une introduction à la simulation et à sa mise en oeuvre
pour le soutien des essais en vol des aéronefs à voilure fixe. La simulation du vol des aéronefs à voilure
tournante est un sujet distinct, qui mériterait d’être traité dans un autre rapport. Cette AGARDographe
est destiné aux ingénieurs d’essais en vol. Elle fournit un certain nombre d’informations essentielles
concernant la mise en oeuvre efficace de la simulation pour le soutien des essais en vol, ainsi que les
différents éléments à prendre en compte lors du développement d’une simulation pour le soutien des
essais en vol. Le premier chapitre présente la simulation et son rôle dans le soutien des essais en vol.
Le chapitre deux fournit un historique et un aperçu de la simulation et des avantages liés à sa mise en
oeuvre pour le soutien des essais en vol. Le chapitre trois présente une discussion détaillée des
différents types de simulation et du rôle unique que joue chacune de ces simulations dans les essais en
vol. Le chapitre quatre porte sur les éléments à prendre en considération lors du développement d’une
simulation, y compris les différents types de modèles, la scène visuelle présentée au pilote, et la
vérification et validation de la simulation. Le chapitre cinq traite de l’application de la simulation aux
programmes d’essais en vol. Le chapitre six présente un certain nombre d’idées concernant l’avenir de
la simulation en tant qu’outil pour les essais en vol. L’ouvrage se termine par un certain nombre de
conclusions. En premier lieu, le type de simulation à employer dépend de son utilisation finale. En
deuxième lieu, le modèle de simulation doit être conçu à partir de données adéquates, vérifiées et
validées pour utilisation. En troisième lieu, il y a lieu de prévoir un système visuel de simulation conçu
en fonction de l’application de la simulation. Et enfin, la simulation restera un outil permettant
d’améliorer la qualité et l’efficacité des essais en vol. Elle ne doit pas être utilisée pour remplacer en
totalité les essais en vol de la dynamique du vol.
iv
Click inside the blue boxes to view the corresponding section
Contents
Page
Synthèse iv
Preface vii
1. INTRODUCTION 1
3. TYPES OF SIMULATIONS 5
3.1 Analytic (Non Real-time) 6
3.1.1 Intended Use 6
3.1.2 Resources Required 7
3.2 Engineering or Man-in-the-Loop (Real-time) 7
3.2.1 Intended Use 8
3.2.1.1 Test Planning/Envelope Clearance 8
3.2.1.2 Test Maneuver Definition 9
3.2.1.3 Flight Test Anomaly Investigation 10
3.2.1.4 Test Scenario Development 10
3.2.1.5 Flight Crew Training 10
3.2.2 Resources Required 11
3.3 Hardware-in-the-Loop 12
3.3.1 Intended Use 13
3.3.2 Resources Required 14
3.4 Iron Bird 14
3.4.1 Intended Use 14
3.4.2 Resources Required 15
3.5 In-Flight 15
3.5.1 Intended Use 16
3.5.2 Resources Required 16
v
4.4 Visual Scene 20
4.4.1 Image Generator 21
4.4.2 Visual Display System 22
4.4.3 State-of-the-art Example 23
4.4.4 Helmet Mounted Displays 23
4.5 Data Display and Analysis 24
4.5.1 Types of Data Analysis 24
4.5.1.1 Real-Time Analysis 24
4.5.1.2 Post-Simulation Analysis 24
4.5.2 Simulation and Flight Test Integration 25
4.5.2.1 Comparison with Previous Simulation Results 25
4.5.2.2 Running Simulations in the Control Room 25
4.5.2.3 Simulation Shadowing 26
4.6 Verification and Validation (V&V) 26
4.6.1 Verification Process 26
4.6.2 Validation Process 27
4.6.3 How Much Validation is Enough? 28
7. CONCLUSIONS 39
8. REFERENCES 40
APPENDIX A 41
vi
Preface
For over 40 years simulation has been an important tool supporting flight testing. The use of simulation has
improved flight test planning, execution and safety. The incredible growth in computational capabilities has
created new possibilities on how modeling and simulation can be used to support flight dynamics flight testing.
However, even with improved computers, high-fidelity simulations still depend on the ability of the engineering
team to create models that accurately represent the aircraft or the environment that they are testing. Flight
dynamics flight testing inherently involves non-linear aerodynamics that can be very difficult to accurately
model. Because of these factors, the use of simulation will never replace flight testing as a method to clear the
aircraft’s flight envelope. Instead, simulation is a tool that greatly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of a
flight test program, but it must be used in conjunction with the actual testing.
The various types of simulation can support all aspects of a test program. It is critical that the correct type of
simulation be matched to the appropriate test requirement. To make simulation an effective tool there are many
factors that must be considered when building a flight test simulation. The level of fidelity of the models,
simulator cockpit, and simulator out-the-window visual scene must be well understood by the whole test.
Inherent in this is a rigorous verification and validation process that must be followed by the engineering team.
All team members must understand the limitations of the flight test simulation when using it. The simulation tool
must be properly applied to obtain maximum effectiveness.
This AGARD report provides an in-depth look at how simulation is used to support flight dynamics flight
testing. The aim was to provide guidance to flight test engineers who are interested in using simulation as a tool
on their test program. The information contained herein provides the test engineer with the information to
justify, build, validate and use a flight simulator as an integral part of a flight test program.
vii
REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE
1. Recipient’s Reference 2. Originator’s References 3. Further Reference 4. Security Classification
of Document
RTO-AG-300 ISBN 92-837-1043-6 UNCLASSIFIED/
AC/323(SCI)TP/27 UNLIMITED
Volume 19
5. Originator Research and Technology Organization
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
BP 25, 7 rue Ancelle, F-92201 Neuilly-sur-Seine Cedex, France
6. Title
Simulation in Support of Flight Testing
7. Presented at/sponsored by
the SCI-055 Task Group, the Flight Test Technology Team of the Systems Concepts
and Integration Panel (SCI) of RTO.
8. Author(s)/Editor(s) 9. Date
Dennis O. Hines September 2000
10. Author’s/Editor’s Address 11. Pages
412th Test Wing/EWW 56
20 Hogan Ave
Edwards AFB, CA 93524-8170
United States
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ISBN 92-837-1043-6