Motion Cueing Algorithm for Flight Simulator: Interfacing and Pilot Controls Implementation

Abstract

Flight simulation nowadays is essential to the training of pilots in both civiland military fields. Generally, the use of parallel motion mechanisms has becomethe standard for human-in-the-loop simulation. However, the realization of a flightsimulator with reasonable fidelity is only achievable using a well-tuned motioncueing algorithm that conveys accurate, real-time cues to the user whilemaintaining safe use of the available platform workspace. In this paper, thenecessary setup and interfacing is done with the X-Plane simulation environmentfor the purposes of testing and tuning the parameters of a developed motion cueingalgorithm. In addition, the design and implementation of prototype pilot controls,namely the yoke and rudder pedals are also undertaken to fulfill interfacingobjectives and are integrated into a fixed-seat simulator platform to conduct a fullpilot-in-the-loop simulation. MATLAB/Simulink is then used for interfacinghardware pilot controls and the simulation environment as well as the real-timetuning of motion cueing parameters.