Multi-Fidelity Architecture for Rotorcraft Cockpit Simulation Training Devices

The needs and requirements for cockpit simulation/training devices (CSTDs) supporting rotorcraft engineering development programs at Boeing Rotorcraft - Philadelphia Flight Simulation Laboratory (FSL), have been expanding in recent years, in terms of function, fidelity and cost. In parallel with this need and requirement have been advances in computing hardware and software, in terms of capability per unit cost, and availability of third party/COTS development tools. With such devices ranging from full-flight, motion-based simulators to desktop and even Web browser-based trainers, the challenge facing the FSL has been to leverage the evolving hardware/software to prototype and develop these CSTDs for engineers and pilots at minimal cost and time cycles. To help address this challenge, the FSL has developed and incorporated a Multi-Mode Cockpit Architecture, or MMCA, to provide a software/hardware framework upon which to base its CSTDs. The highly desirable attributes of software commonality and reusability are inherent in this approach. This paper will present and illustrate how the MMCA has been successfully applied to four levels of fidelity/scope CSTDs: Full Fidelity Cockpit Mode, Virtual Cockpit Mode, Desktop Trainer Mode, and Test Fixture Mode. Also discussed is how the CSTDs have, for these four MMCA modes, utilized and consolidated various software development packages and environments for varying platforms and operating systems such as Unix, Windows, Linux and the World Wide Web.