A New Real-Time Flight Simulator for Military Training Using Mechatronics and Cyber-Physical System Methods

Abstract

So far, the aeronautical industry has developed flight simulators and space disorientation with high costs. This chapter focuses on the design and implementation process of a low-cost real-time flight simulator for the training of armed force pilots using mathematical models of flight physics. To address such concern, the mathematical models of a Cessna type aircraft have been developed. This has been followed by a flight simulator, which operated with a new construction using a Stewart scale platform and operated by a joystick. Specifically, the simulator has been developed using an approximation of a physical cyber-system and a mechatronic design methodology that consists of mechanical, electrical and electronic elements that control the Stewart platform with three degrees of freedom. Based on software engineering, the algorithms of mathematical and physical models have been developed. These have been used to create an interactive flight simulator of an aircraft based on the Unity 3D game engine platform. The performance of the algorithms has been evaluated, using threads and processes to handle the communication and data transmission of the flight simulator to the Stewart platform. The evaluation of the developed simulator has been validated with professional pilots drilled with the Microsoft Flight Simulator. The results demonstrated that this flight simulator stimulates the development of skills and abilities for the maneuver and control of an aircraft.

The effects of a 12-week yoga program on the CoP of military pilots before and after a flight emergency simulation using Biosignals Plux force platform

“…[6][7][8]18 Improvements in postural control responses are also associated with resilience in dealing with SD both in the flight simulator and in real flight conditions. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Because there are no studies in Portugal and very few international ones in this specific area of postural control for military pilots, we discussed our results using quantitative scales. [30][31][32] Cohen classified effect sizes as small (d = 0.2), medium (d = 0.5), and large (d ø 0.8) and statistical power depends on effect size and sample size.…”

“…Flight simulators also make it possible to practice in adverse conditions and experience SD, malfunction of navigation instruments, power losses, loss of control of the aircraft, confusion, illusion of references, illusion of the effect of black holes, and other circumstances that would be dangerous and even catastrophic if piloting a real flight. 5,6 Human exposure to virtual environments can have specific side effects. Some of them are a natural adaptation response related to habituation processes, others are classified as sickness signs and symptoms.…”

“…Flight simulators also make it possible to practice in adverse conditions and experience SD, malfunction of navigation instruments, power losses, loss of control of the aircraft, confusion, illusion of references, illusion of the effect of black holes, and other circumstances that would be dangerous and even catastrophic if piloting a real flight. 5,6…”

Postural Control and Psychophysical State Following of Flight Simulator Session in Novice Pilots

“…Simulator flights are an important part of pilot training, regardless of the type of aviation and aircraft type. Modern flight simulators meet two main aviation objectives: to provide pilot training at the instructor's level, and at the student's level to learn to fly and to earn virtual flight hours that are useful for flying real aircraft and to simulate normal flight conditions, as well as adverse situations and spatial disorientation such as navigation instrument faults, power losses, loss of control of the aircraft, confusion illusion of references, illusion of the effect of black holes, among others, that would be dangerous and even catastrophic in a real flight (1). The use of simulators in aviation training, allows for consolidating habits, shaping the situational awareness of pilots, and increasing the effects of training aircraft crew.…”

Development of Multi-Axis Crank Linkage Motion System for Synchronized Flight Simulation with VR Immersion

“…The most widely known of these was the Stewart platform, which was widely used in a variety of VR. The design of VR was closely related to the dynamic system of the platform, such as for military training [16], for driving training [17,18], and even for rehabilitation. Fung et al developed a gait rehabilitation system based on a VR sports training system, which was composed of a treadmill combined with a 6-DoF sports platform.…”