Flight Test, Data Package, Model Development & Certification Support For Frasca Devices

Frasca International has long prided itself in building simulators that fly right. For us the feel of the simulator is more important than the look. On lower level devices this feel was accomplished by subjective tuning which was directed by pilots.

As fidelity has increased and certification requirements have advanced, Frasca has evolved its aerodynamic capabilities to keep pace. Higher level Flight Training Devices and Full Flight Simulators require an exhaustive data package which is then used to develop aerodynamic models and ultimately provide the proof of performance match that is required by the national approval authorities, FAA, JAA, etc.

Simulator data packages often are available from the aircraft manufacturers at a fee and Frasca has frequently used these packages to build and validate its simulators. However in many situations these data packages don’t exist, are incomplete or are simply not economical.

As result of market demand Frasca has developed an extensive flight test, model development and certification capabilities.

Flight Test: Frasca’s flight test team has developed flight test plans, instrumentation and procedures for flight testing all types of aircraft. Recent programs include both fixed wing and helicopters. Instrumentation used in the flight tests include Alpha/Beta boom, laser altimeter, differential GPS, AHRS, cockpit control position sensors, control surface sensors, force measurement transducers etc. In addition to installing sensors Frasca will also record data from existing aircraft data busses. A typical flight test plan can include over 1000 test runs.

Model Development: Once the flight test data is collected it can be used to develop the aircraft model. The initial model is based on aircraft physical properties such as weight and balance, wing/rotor characteristics, control characteristics, propulsion, etc. The model is then flown through various test cases using automated tools. The results are compared to the flight test data and adjustments made. Frasca’s aerodynamic models are sophisticated and include physical modeling of all significant components and effects. For example our helicopter model is based on blade element theory and includes wake inflow and wake vortex effects.

Certification Support: As the model is being developed the various test cases required for qualification are continuously being tested. When all cases pass an automatic tool will generate the Qualification/Approval Test Guide, ATG or QTG. This document is then submitted to the authorities to support the certification of the device. Frasca’s certification support group is available to provide all required documents, assist when appropriate with the development of quality programs and provide overall guidance in the qualification process.

Recent programs using Frasca Flight Testing:

Fixed wing:
Mustang, Cirrus SR20, Cessna 172, Diamond DA40, Diamond DA42, Beechcraft B58, Piper Seminole

Helicopter:
Eurocopter EC135, Sikorsky S92, Eurocopter AS350, Eurocopter EC225, Bell 206, Bell 407

Frasca international has extensive flight test, aerodynamic modeling and certification experience. This experience as well as existing data packages are available to support simulation manufacturers. Contact us today to find out how our flight test experience can provide the most accurate data for your device.