Flight simulator fidelity assessment in a rotorcraft lateral translation maneuver

Abstract

A model-based methodology for assessing flight simulator fidelity in closed-loop fashion is exercised in analyzing a rotorcraft low-altitude maneuver for which flight test and simulation results were available. The addition of a handling qualities sensitivity function to a previously developed model-based assessment criteria allows an analytical comparison of both performance and handling qualities between simulation and flight test. Model predictions regarding the existence of simulator fidelity problems are corroborated by experiment. The modeling approach is used to assess analytically the effects of modifying simulator characteristics on simulator fidelity.

Authors

• Hess, R. A. NASA Ames Research Center
• Malsbury, T. California, University
• Atencio, A., Jr. NASA Ames Research Center; U.S. Army, Aeroflightdynamics Directorate, Moffett Field