Flight Science & Technology Research Group
Simulation Fidelity
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Feedback: mdw@liv.ac.uk
Ground based simulation is utilised worldwide for research, pilot
training and aircraft development and certification. The motivation
for using pilot-in-the-loop simulation stems from our still
relatively immature understanding of pilot behaviour and
particularly their adaptability to new situations; questions
associated with the pilot-vehicle-interface (PVI) cannot be
answered with confidence through computer modelling alone.
Until relatively recently, simulators with sufficient fidelity to address PVI issues in dynamic flight were only affordable by large corporations and linked t major procurement programmes, government research or high utilisation training facilities. With the advent of lower cost, PC based simulation systems, driving full motion platforms and multiple visual channels at high frame rates, relatively high fidelity simulation is now becoming available to a much wider range of users, including Academia.
The University of Liverpool's system, HELIFLIGHT, can be classified in the first generation of "new" technology full motion simulators, for which very little validation exists. The new study will attempt to establish new fidelity assessment criteria and methods and is considered vital to underpin future scientific research with the facility and others of its kind. The research will address simulation fidelity with reference to a model of the pilot-vehicle closed-loop system in addition to conventional pilot subjective assessment. The principal application will be rotorcraft, based on Bo105 helicopter test data provided by DLR.
Members:
Dr. Mark D. White (Flight Simulation Laboratory Manager)