We have three advanced VSS simulators: a motion-based rotary-wing platform, a fixed-based General Aviation (GA) fixed-wing platform, and a fixed-based high performance jet platform.
Features common to all three simulators
Each simulator includes a high fidelity visual system, a dynamics model of each respective aircraft, and a variety of VSS features custom programmed by flight level engineering.
These VSS features include real-time reconfigurable heads up and heads down displays, multiple programmable inceptors per axes, and a massive variable stability demonstration catalog. This catalog produced 12 variable stability helicopter flights and 12 variable stability airplane flights each lasting approximately 1.5 hours. All sorties are tightly integrated into the flying qualities, handling qualities, and modern flight controls curriculum at NTPS. This allows us to modify what the FTE and TP see, touch, and feel in real-time.
The Motion-Based Rotary-Wing Platform
The motion-based rotary-wing variable stability platform is based on NTPS’ MBB B0-105 helicopter. This combines a high fidelity motion system with seating for a pilot and flight test engineer, a flight identified dynamics model of the actual helicopter, and a variety of VSS features custom programmed by flight level engineering.
This demonstration catalog is inspired by decades of experience, ADS-33, and variable stability pilot training in NRC’s Bell 205 in-flight simulator helicopter.
Fixed-Based General Aviation (GA) Fixed-Wing Platform
The fixed-based fixed-wing variable stability platform is based on a Ryan Navion aircraft. This is the only flying 6-DOF variable stability aircraft in the world. This aircraft includes direct lift flaps and side force generators.
This demonstration catalog is inspired by decades of experience, civilian standards, and variable stability pilot training in Calspan’s Learjet.
Fixed-Based Fast Jet Fixed-Wing Platform
The fixed-based fixed-wing variable stability platform is inspired by the F-16 VISTA aircraft. This is the only flying 5-DOF variable stability jet aircraft in the world. This aircraft includes direct lift flaps.
This demonstration catalog is inspired by decades of experience, military standards, and variable stability pilot training at test pilot schools around the world.