Author: flightlevel

Categories
Simulation

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.

Each of our simulators 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.

Categories
Simulation

Fixed-Based General Aviation 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.

Each of our simulators 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.

Categories
Simulation

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.

Each of our simulators 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.

Categories
Partnerships

Strengthening Flight Test Excellence: NTPS & FLE Sign MOA

The National Test Pilot School (NTPS) and Flight Level Engineering (FLE) are excited to announce a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to advance flight test training, engineering development, and aerospace research.

This partnership will focus on:

  • Flight Test Training & Education – Enhancing professional development for test pilots and flight test engineers.
  • Joint Research & Development – Engage in projects of mutual interest related to flight test engineering, flight test instrumentation, simulations, and performance and flying qualities analysis.
  • Resource Sharing – Leveraging specialized laboratories, simulators, aircraft, and training resources to support research, training, and flight test activities.

Together, NTPS and FLE are committed to shaping the future of aerospace and flight testing through innovation, education, and collaboration. 

#NTPS #FLE #FlightTest #AerospaceEngineering #Collaboration #AviationInnovation #TestPilotTraining

Categories
Simulation

Three New Advanced Simulators: Revolutionizing Flight Test Training at NTPS

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.