Rotorcraft Flight Simulator Visual System Design

Abstract

Flight simulation is a very useful tool in research and training. The control of environmental and physical factors gives the ability to conduct specific tests on certain elements of flight or piloting, allowing results that can be analysed by easily identifying the influencing factors. Being able to use a simulator not only for research in the particular craft type, but for crew and maintenance training, particularly in a place with such a high number of aviation-streamed students, without existing practical training opportunities on site, creates a justified need for a well-designed simulator that can be built to last, and perform as specified by simulation standards and additional requirements set by the client, in this case, UNSW. Through extensive requirements analysis, systems engineering design processes, and clear documentation, a design fit for intended purpose can be produced. By analysing the visual system of the current simulator and comparing the performance of the existing system against the desired performance, design recommendations can be made to ensure a high fidelity design for a better user experience. Effective resolution and brightness of the display and visual scene have a direct impact on environment and detail perception, while hardware geometry and assembly are designed to fully utilise the output specifications of visual system inputs such as software and image resolution.