Ground-based Simulation of Airplane Upset Using an Enhanced Flight Model

Loss-of-control resulting from airplane upset is a leading cause of worldwide commercial aircraft accidents. One of the upset prevention and recovery strategies currently being considered is to provide pilot upset recovery training using ground-based flight simulators. However, to simulate the large amplitude and highly dynamic motions seen in upset conditions, both the flight model and the simulator motion need improvement. In this thesis, an enhanced flight model is developed to better represent the aircraft dynamics in upset conditions. In particular, extension is made to the aerodynamic database of an existing Boeing 747-100 (B-747) model to cover large angle of attack, sideslip and angular rates. The enhanced B-747 model is then used to conduct a set of upset recovery experiments in a flight simulator without motion. The experimental results can be used to identify and potentially correct major motion cueing errors caused by the conventional motion drive algorithm in upset conditions.MAS