Extending an Automated Methodology for Simulation Model Calibration to Manufacturer and Flight Test Validation Data

For a flight simulation device to be a positive experience for a trainee, the underlying model must be proven to perform and handle accurately compared to the real-world aircraft. Baseline performance is generally calibrated against steady-state performance points in the aircraft's pilot operating handbook while aircraft and control dynamics require calibration against flight test data to ensure accuracy. In many cases, these calibration campaigns are performed manually in a "guess and check" manner by a simulation engineer. Previously, an automated methodology was presented to calibrate flight simulation models to appropriate pilot operating handbook performance points. This paper expands upon the systematic, automated methodology by modifying the steady-state performance calibration routine and extends to calibration routines which target the matching of provided flight test data. Results are presented for the Cessna 172 Skyhawk.