A comprehensive approach to flight test training using ground-based and airborne simulation

Abstract

This paper details the design and implementation of several example exercises of the curriculum of the United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS). This eleven-month curriculum teaches the theory and practical knowledge necessary for the test and evaluation of the airframe, associated flight systems, and an array of airborne mission systems. Graduates conduct research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies. Instruction at the USNTPS is aimed at improving analytical evaluation skills, developing analytical writing ability, and expanding aircraft and mission knowledge through exposure to a variety of aircraft and systems. The training philosophy used at the USNTPS is to provide the student with a multi-layered exposure to the topics in the curriculum. The educational flow begins with academic instruction in the classroom, followed by laboratory or ground simulation exercises, in-flight demonstration and unsupervised student practice. The culmination of this process is a flight test evaluation in state-of-the-art operational systems. The goal of this teaching methodology is to equip graduates with the skills necessary to conduct qualitative and quantitative assessments of aircraft systems. Following the demonstration flights, the student performs similar evaluations of operational tactical aircraft and airborne systems. The school has developed several instructional facilities to promote this training philosophy. Specialized ground simulators and in-flight aircraft laboratories such as the Variable Stability System (VSS) and Airborne Systems and Research Support Aircraft (ASTARS) provide relevant hands-on training. With these facilities, the student evaluator can relate the impact that changes to system engineering parameters have on the mission capability of the system. Additionally, these training facilities allow students and instructors to develop and refine new flight test methods and techniques. Two USNTPS student exercises are presented which illustrate the instructional approach. The Advanced Flight Controls Evaluation and the Air-to-Ground Radar Evaluation use integrated classroom lectures, classroom and ground-based simulation, in-flight simulation and demonstrations using the Learjet VSS and ASTARS facilities. The instructional approach has proven effective in preparing the student evaluator for flight test evaluation of state-of-the-art operational systems.