At-Sea Verification of Simulated Dynamic Interface Test Techniques

The primary objective of this field of study is to apply sophisticated environmental simulations in support of piloted dynamic interface at-sea testing and experimentation. High Level Architecture (HLA) is used combined with components reflecting the air vehicle definitions, ship's environment, along with long and short term mixing and prediction methodologies. The significance of the conversion and application of qualitative scales, like Deck Interface Pilot Effort Scale (DIPES), into a deck limiting quantitative value is discussed. The use of 6 degree-of-freedom full motion flight simulator to forecast physical deck motion and deck motion limits, is discussed. The simulated flight test has several objectives including assess the capabilities of the Cockpit Dynamic Simulator (CDS) to support Ship-Helicopter Operational Limit (SHOL) / Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) limits; demonstrate High Level Architecture (HLA) with selected modules; and determine feasibility of applying these simulators in support of dynamic interface at-sea testing. One aspect of the interface model is to work to forecast physical deck motion and corresponding deck motion limits. Deck limits are computed by the motion characterization of a platform in terms of, and as a function of, oleo compression and deflection, torque monitor along with indications of precise weight on wheels. At-sea verification study results are discussed and compared with simulated scenarios. This computational method employs sufficient performance criteria and correlates well with forecasted quiescent windows of deck motion. Results are presented in relation to the deck energy problems normally confronted by a helicopter during recovery in progressively difficult conditions.