Real Time Static and Dynamic Flight External Loads Analysis

In an effort to reduce the cost and increase the safety of performing flight test, TDA proposes developing a real-time loads estimator (RTLE) which fuses multiple loads models together into a single system which is able to update itself real-time in the control room.These models combine the robustness of a physics based low-order equivalent system, with the data driven benefits of an artificial neural network to allow the complete calculation of non-linear aircraft loads across the envelope.The loads models are integrated into the IADS software environment to allow a streamlined process that enables predictions of loads for upcoming test points, as well as allowing engineering to perform loads sensitivity studies, and real time estimates of potential exceedances of the strength envelope.Integration into the control room allows the loads models to be updated immediately after new data becomes available, thus providing the flight test team with the most up to date flight loads prediction data possible.