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A technique for computer-aided assessment of flight simulator fidelity is presented. The assessment procedure utilizes a mathematical model of the human pilot that includes proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular cues. The quality of the latter two cues can be varied to capture the effects of flight simulator limitations associated with visual and motion cueing. A MATLAB[R]-based tool that automates the selection of the majority of parameters in the pilot model and the generation of a fidelity metric is described. In addition, a prediction of the task-dependent handling qualities of the nominal flight vehicle can be obtained. The assessment procedure is exercised in a hypothetical example involving the six-degree-of-freedom control of a rotorcraft completing a vertical remask maneuver. It is demonstrated that by varying the quality of the visual and vestibular cues in the pilot/vehicle model the effects of simulator limitations upon fidelity can be systematically addressed.

A technique for analysing flight simulator fidelity, based on a computer simulation of pilot and vehicle, is described.

A new study models a pilot's perceptual and response behaviour when using proprioceptive, visual and vestibular cues in a ground-based flight simulator.