New technologies applications in the Desdemona simulator

摘要

The technologically advanced motion base of the Desdemona research simulator at TNO in the Netherlands provides a completely new approach to motion cueing in flight simulation, as compared to the conventional hexapod design. In addition, for Network Enabled Capabilities, the simulator is incorporated in a networked environment that comprises of three fixed-base F16 cockpits and Desdemona with the fourth cockpit. Our paper gives an overview of motion cueing solutions and applications for Desdemona in flight simulation. Desdemona has a centrifuge design motion platform with the unique capability to simultaneously move the cabin horizontally over the radius (8 meter diameter) and vertically in heave (2 meter stroke). In addition the gimbaled cabin has unlimited rotation around any arbitrary axis in space. This motion layout supports interesting new solutions to motion cueing that enable simulation and training of flight manoeuvres that are difficult, if not impossible, to simulate in conventional hexapod flight simulators. The solutions could typically apply to: 1)Upset recovery simulation. Desdemona can simulate typical G-loads of up to 3G in combination with large attitude changes. 2)Sustained acceleration cueing. The capability to simulate both onset cues (Desdemona has 6 degrees-of-freedom) and sustained cues, facilitates solutions that combine Dynamic Flight Simulation with hexapod-cueing. 3)Helicopter simulation. The 8 meter linear track can be used to accurately simulate onset cues during hovering. In this paper we will elaborate on new solutions for motion cueing in Desdemona and address the potential benefits in simulator training. An example is given of a motion cueing filter that correctly deals with coordinated roll manoeuvres (in turns) and uncoordinated rolls (aileron roll), something a hexapod flight simulator with classical motion cueing cannot do. This type of motion cueing filter could be used in a simulation of upset recovery with large bank angles or fighter aircraft maneuvering.