Reconfigurable Flight Simulators in Modeling and Simulation

Abstract

The Test and Evaluation Modeling and Simulation (TEMS) facility at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) Edwards Air Force Base, California, provides developmental test and evaluation flight test programs with virtual, piloted real-time simulators. The TEMS facility has a requirement to support multiple aircraft programs with high fidelity cockpits and out-the-window visual systems within limited facility space and tight budget constraints. The AFFTC’s Modeling, Simulation and Integration (MSI) program has developed low cost, reconfigurable, highfidelity cockpits which provide the TEMS facility with an advanced, multi-configuration, man-in-the-loop (MITL) flight simulation capability representative of real-world conditions. The reconfigurable design allows TEMS to support multiple customers (i.e. aircraft programs) with the highest fidelity simulators without dedicating cockpits or facilities to any particular aircraft type. By maximizing the reuse of common components for the MSI program, SYMVIONICS has developed a reconfigurable simulator that is flexible, maintainable, mobile, and affordable. This paper describes the reconfigurable flight simulator designed for the AFFTC TEMS facility. Topics discussed include the TEMS requirements, limitations on space and funding and their impact on design decisions. The overall design of the reconfigurable cockpit is described along with how reuse and commonality help keep costs down, and how the reconfigurable cockpit allows the AFFTC to make more productive use of the TEMS facility. Lessons learned are also presented.