V/STOL GROUND-BASED SIMULATION TECHNIQUES
Abstract
A study of various kinds of simulators has been made to determine their capability to produce data representative of visual flight. Four simulations of a jet-lift V/STOL aircraft were conducted using the same pilot. Control characteristics and airframe parameters were maintained constant (as closely as possible), and the same tasks were used by the pilot in each evaluation. The resulting data were compared with flight results from the same aircraft. The simulators used different displays, motion modes, and instrumentation, and the results are discussed in the light of the characteristics of each simulator. The results show clearly that in order to produce quantitative data representative of flight results, the display must have a quality level compatible with the task being performed. Specifically, a precision hovering task requires a high resolution display, while a translation (or transition task) can be performed with a display of much less resolution. The display content is important, particularly for the precision hovering task where height holding is required. For flight simulation of large translational movements, cockpit motion did not appear to affect the results; however, for precision hover and small, quick position changes, cockpit motion appears to be important in that it assists the pilot in detecting small drift and improves his ability to control vehicle attitude. The absence of cockpit motion when using a point source visual display for the presentation of visual information can cause vertigo and loss of performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0665425
Entities
People
- J. B. Sinacori