Modification of Flight Simulator for Demonstration Flight of Hydrogen-Electric Hybrid Powertrain

Abstract

A level D flight simulator was temporarily modified to mimic the asymmetries in both the flight performance and engine response for a highly modified Dash 8 hybrid electric demonstrator. The modified simulator was used for pilot familiarization prior to the first demonstration flight for the electrically powered aircraft. Modified performance and electric motor thrust characteristics were analyzed and modeled as delta inputs on top of existing simulator parameters and combined back into the simulation through the use of Bihrle’s high alpha software called “StallBox.” The methodology of the implementation is presented along with the goals of the simulator training for the program. The use of the “StallBox” software for mimicking heavily modified aircraft presents a useful solution for risk reduction on electric demonstrator programs and in the emerging field of electrification conversions to existing aircraft.