Real-time flight simulator construction with a network for training pilots using mechatronics and cyber-physical system approaches

Abstract

This study is about the process of designing and implementing a low-cost flight simulator as a complex system. Its main objective has been targeted to be the training of pilots in order to improve aircraft control skills. For this purpose, the simulator has been developed using a Cyber Physical Systems approach and a mechatronics design methodology. In addition, software design techniques have been used for cybernetic components. The mechatronic system consists of mechanical, electrical and electronic elements, such as three actuators that control the Stewart platform in real time, controlling movements of up, down, left and right. These have been integrated with software consisting of a virtual flight system that manages the control, communication and animation of the airplane from the mathematics of models implemented with a Unity 3D Engine in a network of computers. Extreme Programming as an agile methodology has been used to guarantee the quality of the software. The validation of the proposed solution has been performed with several professional pilots trained with the Microsoft Flight Simulator. The results demonstrated that this flight simulator supports the development of aircraft control skills leading to an increase of their abilities.