Project 16: OH-58D Simulator for Advanced Rotorcraft Training Services

Summary of Services Performed: Designed, developed and certified to FAA Level D standards a simulator of the OH-58D helicopter.

ART has developed the OH-58D HeliFlight-S as a prototype for Advanced Rotorcraft Training Services (ARTS), a company that will be setting up helicopter training centers using this and future simulators developed by ART. The simulator includes a 225 degree by 90 degree dome display for the visual system and a four axis set of control loaders to back drive the pilot and copilot controls. All instruments and switches in the high fidelity cockpit are functional but only those related to flight dynamics training tasks are operational. The rest can be added as required. An Instructor/Operator Station provides control of simulation operations including initialization, data monitoring and recording, and the initiation of malfunctions. A set of six monitors repeat the out the window scenes, instrument displays and provide a control console. The simulator flight dynamics model was tested quantitatively to FAA Level D standards by comparison with experimental test data and the total simulator was tested qualitatively to Level D standards for tasks in the Aircrew Training Manual related to flight dynamics. The qualitative testing was performed with the assistance of the Army Research Institute at Ft. Rucker and utilized 12 OH- 58D pilots over a six month period while the simulator was located at Ft. Rucker. The simulator is currently situated at ART’s office in Mountain View, CA and is being used to support engineering analysis and marketing efforts by ARTS for their training centers.

This project required extensive engineering design of mechanical and electrical systems to fabricate the cockpit, the control linkages, the switches and displays, and the dome and projectors. Extensive integration of system software was required including the flight dynamics model, the image generator, and the Instructor/Operator Station (IOS) software console. Quantitative testing of the flight dynamics model included extensive correlation against experimental flight test data for the aircraft. Qualitative testing of the complete simulator was performed by experienced OH-58D pilots at Ft. Rucker and ART modified simulator systems as Advanced Rotorcraft Technology, Inc. required to satisfy their requirements. The deliverables to the customer included the OH-58D simulator, documentation of the qualitative and quantitative tests, system documentation, and an operator’s guide.

Location : Site Map : Links