Modeling and simulation in the Rotorcraft Pilot's Associate test and evaluation process

Abstract

The coming digital battlefield and advancing tecluiology mean that Army aviators will be inundated with data while trying to fight the battle. In addition to converting this data to meaningful information, the crew will still have to manage all the flight and mission systems onboard, as well as fly the aircraft, fight the battle, and be the eyes and ears of the tactical commander. The Rotorcraft Pilot's Associate (RPA) Advanced Technology Demonstration is developing a cognitive decision aiding system that will be a selective-authority electronic associate to the combat helicopter crew, much like an additional crewinember. RPA will manage the myriad sigIllficaiit and insignificant data available in the cockpit, freeing the crew to more effectively prosecute the battle. Our approach to testing and evaluating RPA relies almost solely on modeling and simulation. At six scheduled points throughout the five-year development, called system Builds, the RPA system will be integrated and tested in manned simulation. Although the main T&E effort will occur in manned simulation, analytical modeling (constnictive simulation) and flight testing (live simulation) will also be used. This paper will outline the RPA development process to provide background and describe the T&E process in more detail, including the various RPA software models and their role.