History of In-Flight Simulation & Flying Qualities Research at Veridian

Abstract

Calspan Corporation has been the primary innovator, developer, and operator of in-flight simulators in the United States as well as the rest of the world since 1947. Though other agencies and countries have developed their own in-flight simulators, this paper concentrates on Calspan accomplishments in this field. In-flight simulation puts the pilot in the real flight environment and has been used in the development of new aircraft, research of flying qualities and flight control systems, and training of pilots and engineers in these areas. More recent uses have been in the field of display systems and as avionics test beds. This paper starts with the early technologies that led to the development of variable stability aircraft and their earlier applications. It then describes Calspan’s history in the development and utilization of in-flight simulation, starting in 1949 with the first flight of the F4U-5 and its auxiliary rudder surface up to the present with the five degree-offreedom F-16 Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator and Test Aircraft (VISTA). Specific case studies are presented which describe the development and distinctive features of each of the Calspan in-flight simulators and highlight some of the more significant applications of these unique tools.