Use of ground-based and in-flight simulation for flight control system development

Modem aircraft design requirements have resulted in highly augmented configurations where there is a need to test with a pilot-in-the-loop to resolve critical design issues. A historical background on the evolution of ground-based and inflight simulators and the manner in which they are now used in the development of flight control systems is presented. Possible inadequacies or advantages of various types of simulation are discussed. A process for designing flight control systems through complementary use of groundbased and in-flight simulators is recommended in order to provide better evaluations of the flying qualities of the closed loop pilot-aircraft combination.