The development and structure of the T-46A flight test simulation at the U.S. Air Force Flight Test Center is described. Two interesting aspects of the simulation are emphasized: (1) An electrohydraulic force-feel system is driven by a digital computer to model a reversible flight control system. This led to some force-feel system instabilities that had to be eliminated. (2) Data for extremely high angles-of-attack are incorporated into the simulation in order to simulate aircraft stall, departure, spin, and recovery. As a tool for supporting flight test operations, the T-46 simulation will be used for planning, practice flying of flight tests, and to facilitate the development and evaluation of aircraft modifications (especially those involving the flight control system). This necessitates the use of very versatile software which can be changed daily to support daily flight operations. In addition, a simulation that can accurately model flight conditions on the edges of the flight envelope greatly enhances the safety and efficiency of flight tests. Since handling qualities is the primary area of interest in this simulation, certain elements of the simulation are of key importance. One of these is control stick feel. The use of an electrohydraulic force-feel system with digital control caused a number of challenges related to force-feel system stability, which are described along with the solutions implemented.
Development of the T-46 Next Generation Trainer Manned Engineering Simulator at the US Air Force Flight Test Center
1986
12 pages
Report
No indication
English
Test Facilities & Equipment , Job Training & Career Development , Control sticks , Electric control , Flight control , Flight simulation , Flight simulators , Flight tests , Hydraulic control , Training aircraft , Aerodynamic balance , Aerodynamic coefficients , Digital computers , Systems stability
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