Objective Motion Cueing Test (OMCT) of ICAO 9625 and Implications on Flight Simulators

Abstract

Flight simulation is widely used for pilot training, engineering and research. Full flight simulators are the top level of such training devices and offer the maximum available immersion for their users. Motion platforms create this virtual flight environment by simulating accelerations in three dimensions on the basis of complex algorithms, so-called motion cueing algorithms. In the past, the validity of motion cueing algorithms was tested and tuned by experienced pilots for the given aircraft type as a prerequisite for a flight simulator’s official quality standard approval and certification. This, is a subjective approach though, exposed to the individual pilots experiences, perceptions and behavior. In order to ensure a more objective process for the validation and certification of flight simulators testing and certification, the Objective Motion Cueing Test – OMCT was developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The OMCT defines an objective procedure to test and classify motion systems due to their fidelity to a pre-defined pattern. It was designed by ICAOs international working group and is still under development. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) introduced OMCT for the full flight simulator in its Air Vehicle Simulator – AVES as part a of a software supported test environment. Model based software development methods are used, to focus on a requirement driven approach to the OMCT. This leads to an extendible, easy to change system. This paper describes the implications and experiences of the introduction of OMCT to the DLR’s AVES, with a focus on the applied motion cueing criteria and the user interface. Based on a historic overview of flight simulators development, the improvements achievable by OMCT are presented The research closes with an outlook on requirements toward future OMCT developments and definitions in regard to motion system research