Affordable Flight Simulation in an Educational Environment

The University of Alabama in Huntsville has initiated a rapidly growing program in rotorcraft and UAV systems engineering and design. Flight simulation is an important component of this effort. A flight simulation tool is required that is flexible, upgradeable, and accurate with minimal initial and recurring costs. The commercially available X-Plane® software was chosen to meet the UAH flight simulation requirements. Combining the inexpensive X-Plane® software with moderate capability PC hardware has provides an affordable desktop flight simulation capability. This capability is being used in research studies of helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, and in the aerodynamics and flight dynamics curriculum. UAH is also helping the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Aviation Challenge program transition to an X-Plane based simulation environment. This capability is a resource for inspiring the current generation of students to pursue future careers in science, engineering, and the military.