Comparison of the Longitudinal Flying Qualities of an Optimal Pilot Model, A Ground-Based Simulator, and an Airborne Simulator

摘要

This thesis presents a comparison of the longitudinal flying qualities as predicted by an analytical computer model, a ground-based simulator, and an airborne simulator. The comparison was designed to correlate the results and judge whether ground tests could forecast airborne results. Project tests were conducted using the Optimal Pilot Single Axis Control Task (OPSACT) computer program, the ground based Simulator for Aircraft Flight Test and Development (SAFTD), and the variable stability USAF NT-33A aircraft. The objective of this evaluation was to determine and compare the pilot performance in the three cases, and to determine and compare the pilot ratings in the simulators. Secondary objectives included an investigation of the effects of different load factors in the two simulators and the effects of visual and motion cues in the NT-33A.