Short description This introductory guide to flight simulator design covers both the theory of dynamic systems and the practical aspects of implementation. After introducing simulation, the text then discusses mathematical modeling and computational methods; flight mechanics and dynamics; equations of motion and the mathematical methods used in their solutions; modeling flight control systems, avionic systems, visual, and display and motion systems; and the issues of simulator verification and the validation of flight models. It features case studies, images, and diagrams from a flight simulator developed by the author's group at Sheffield University.
From the contents About the Author.
Preface.
Glossary .
1 Introduction.
1.1 Historical Perspective.
1.2 The Case for Simulation.
1.3 The Changing Role of Simulation.
1.4 The Organization of a Flight Simulator.
1.5 The Concept of Real-time Simulation.
1.6 Pilot Cues.
1.7 Training versus Simulation.
1.8 Examples of Simulation.
References.
2 Principles of Modelling.
2.1 Modelling Concepts.
2.2 Newtonian Mechanics.
2.3 Axes Systems.
2.4 Differential Equations.
2.5 Numerical Integration.
2.6 Real-time Computing.
2.7 Data Acquisition.
2.8 Flight Data.
2.9 Interpolation.
2.10 Distributed Systems.
2.11 A Real-time Protocol.
2.12 Problems in Modelling.
References.
3 Aircraft Dynamics.
3.1 Principles of Flight Modelling.
3.2 The Atmosphere.
3.3 Forces.
3.4 Moments.
3.5 Axes Systems.
3.6 Quaternions.
3.7 Equations of Motion.
3.8 Propulsion.
3.9 The Landing Gear.
3.10 The Equations Collected.
3.11 The Equations Revisited - Long Range Navigation.
References.
4 Simulation of Flight Control Systems.
4.1 The Laplace Transform.
4.2 Simulation of Transfer Functions.
4.3 PID Control Systems.
4.4 Trimming.
4.5 Aircraft Flight Control Systems.
4.6 The Turn Coordinator and the Yaw Damper.
4.7 The Auto-throttle.
4.8 Vertical Speed Management.
4.9 Altitude Hold.
4.10 Heading Hold.
4.11 Localizer Tracking.
4.12 Auto-land Systems.
4.13 Flight Management Systems.
References.
5 Aircraft Displays.
5.1 Principles of Display Systems.
5.2 Line Drawing.
5.3 Character Generation.
5.4 D Graphics Operations.
5.5 Textures.
5.6 OpenGL(r).
5.7 Simulation of Aircraft Instruments.
5.8 Simulation of EFIS Displays.
5.9 Head-up Displays.
References.
6 Simulation of Aircraft Navigation Systems.
6.1 Principles of Navigation.
6.2 Navigation Computations.
6.3 Map Projections.
6.4 Primary Flight Information.
6.5 Automatic Direction Finding (ADF).
6.6 VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR).
6.7 Distance Measuring Equipment (DME).
6.8 Instrument Landing Systems (ILS).
6.9 The Flight Director.
6.10 Inertial Navigation Systems.
6.11 Global Positioning Systems.
References.
Further Reading.
7 Model Validation.
7.1 Simulator Qualification and Approval.
7.2 Model Validation Methods.
7.3 Latency.
7.4 Performance Analysis.
7.5 Longitudinal Dynamics.
7.6 Lateral Dynamics.
7.7 Model Validation in Perspective.
References.
8 Visual Systems.
8.1 Background.
8.2 The Visual System Pipeline.
8.3 3D Graphics Operations.
8.4 Real-time Image Generation.
8.5 Visual Database Management.
8.6 Projection Systems.
8.7 Problems in Visual Systems.
References.
9 The Instructor Station.
9.1 Education, Training and Instruction.
9.2 Part-task Training and Computer-based Training.
