Universal Automated Flight Simulator Fidelity Test System

The current method of evaluating performance and flying qualities of military flight simulators ranges from manual testing using skilled test pilots to automated testing using software tools designed to replicate the actions of a test pilot and flight test engineer. The automated flight test (AFT) tools have shown great potential, however, the quality of their implementation has been inconsistent. The result is a wide range of design philosophies/capabilities that make the process of flight model validation a unique challenge for each simulator. The goal of this SBIR is to develop a Universal Automated Flight Fidelity Test System that can provide the capability to perform Navy flight test procedures for fixed and rotary wing aircraft on the fleet flight simulators. The tool will have the capability to be easily configured for each of the simulated aircraft/trainer unique configurations and provide an intuitive graphic interface. Phase I determined the feasibility of the design concept and generated a complete set of detailed design specifications. Phase II will result in the development and installation of the test system on two existing flight simulators. The Phase III goal will be the development of a commercial product suitable for all military and commercial applications.