Optimizing the Fitness of Motion Cueing for Rotorcraft Flight Simulation

Abstract

Achieving good motion cueing in rotorcraft flight simulation is a long standing challenge in the simulation community. The current reliance upon subjective opinion leads to a wide range of motion configurations, which almost certainly do not offer the optimal level of vestibular cueing. Furthermore, without the understanding of the optimal motion settings, objective criteria are difficult to apply. This paper presents a new tool designed to optimize and evaluate the response of any motion platform, based upon the input to the system and the given motion system constraints. This tool is utilized in order to tune the motion platform of the Air Vehicle Simulator (AVES). Results show promise for the use of the optimization, as good fidelity is shown through pilot subjective comments and ratings.