Applications

AFRL Applications

Background
The flying qualities research efforts performed at the Air Force Research Laboratory's Control Dynamics Branch often involve pilot-in-the-loop evaluation for various issues such as stability & control characteristics, flight control development and optimization, and PIO (pilot induced oscillation) susceptibility. While many piloted tasks require a simulator with a fully functional cockpit and visual environment to provide the necessary sensory cueing and feedback, the limited access to those full-scale piloted simulation sessions coupled with the extensive set-up efforts associated with such hardware configuration often preclude thorough examination of the issues involved.

Application
In response to the Flying Qualities Technical Area's needs, Bihrle had developed a PC-based simulation workstation that addresses the need for a preliminary real-time piloted evaluations capability that is easily re-configurable and supports changes under time-critical conditions. The resulting simulation workstation was composed of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software modules and hardware components with the following unique capabilities:

1. Real-time Windows-based 6-degrees of freedom simulation environment (D-Six) capable of supporting simple derivative-based models or complex nonlinear tabular data sets.
2. High-resolution out-the-window graphics for real-time piloted sessions or time history replay applications.
3. High-speed three-degrees of freedom head motion tracker coupled with helmet-mounted display to provide a wide field of view scenery to support within visual range air-to-air, and air-to-ground piloted tasks.
4. A configurable MS Sidewinder Force Feedback Control Stick functions as the primary input device to control the simulated vehicles.

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