Simulator validation results and proposed reporting format from flight testing a software model of a complex, high-performance airplane.

IMECE2008-67482PDFResearch PaperAircraftSimulationFlight simulatorsSoftwareValidationPerformance testsUnited States2008 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and ExpositionMcGovern, Seamus M.John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)NTL-AVIATION-AVIATIONNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Planning and PolicyNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Safety/AirworthinessNTL-PLANNING AND POLICY-Aviation Planning and PolicyNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Aviation Safety/AirworthinessVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference CenterComputer simulations are often used in aviation studies. These simulation tools may require complex, high-fidelity aircraft models. Since many of the flight models used are third-party developed products, independent validation is desired prior to implementation. Due to the variety of processes used by the different industries and organizations that make use of flight models, the proprietary nature of some desired data, the relative availability of data-rich pilot manuals, and their standardized, rigorous nature, formal processes based in experimental and certification flight test are proposed for objectively and consistently validating these models and their associated aircraft types. The results of application of these detailed flight test techniques is then reported using a blade element theory-based flight model with a complex, high-performance aircraft model. Finally, a concise data analysis and reporting format is proposed and demonstrated using this same aircraft model