SSFM - Software for Simulation of Flight Missions
As a part of a multi-year standing offer with DRDC-Toronto, Array developed a rapid prototype Flight Mission Simulator Software using Virtual Reality Markup Language (VRML). This advanced 3D graphics flight simulation tool supports a dual display configuration, where the second display and workstation are connected to the first workstation over a network connection. The second computer and display may be located at a remote site with all communication taking place over the internet (this powerful feature could be used for mission support in search and rescue operations and during Human Factors/Engineering (HF/E) testing.
The simulator uses a "Flock of Birds" (FOB) motion tracking device which transmits the sensor's 3D orientation in space, as the operator moves a model plane synchronized to one shown on the screen.
The Flight Mission Simulator Software is used for human factors experiments related to the perception of dynamic changes in aircraft-to-aircraft relative orientation and motion using a constant velocity kinematics model of circular trajectories. The mathematical model for the simulator uses several angular coordinate systems and conventions including Euler angles, quaternions, and fixed rotation axes.
One of the tasks that can be run on the simulator measures a pilot's dynamic perception of four primary orbital values of his manoeuvring aircraft (observer) and in relation to another aircraft (target). The values measured for this particular task are:
- Relative Circle Size (nm)
- Circle Separation (nm)
- Relative Plane Velocity (nm/h)
- Relative Plane Phase (deg)