Summary of the main achievements during the project:
Tools/simulation environment:
• A large number of auto-pilot modes and flight control laws has been developed, implemented in ONERA’s simulator and continuously improved during the project.
• An ASSU management module has been implemented in ONERA’s simulator and also continuously improved.
• An off-line simulation tool has been developped and used, allowing the development of the Flight Control System and the ASSU management module.
• A major dual cockpit configuration upgrade of the simulator has been done (Figure 2).
Flight scenarios definition:
DGA-EV, the French Flight Test Center, part of the France’s defense procurement agency (DGA), was selected as subcontractor. Flight test pilots and test engineers were deeply involved in the project, contributing to the definition of the four scenarios that were evaluated.
Definition of interaction modes:
Interaction modes were discussed with pilots and different options and solutions have been defined, concerning coupling logics (between side-sticks), controls to send to Flight Control System (communication between sticks and FCS), Back-Drive logics (in order to move the sticks when auto-pilot is active).
Specification and development of haptic feedback and ergonomic requirements:
The ASSU management module, enabling the generation of the different haptic feedbacks on sticks, has been continuously improved and implemented in off-line and real-time simulation environments. In addition, Flight Envelope Protection functions have been designed, implemented, and matured.
Evaluation of haptic feedbacks and ergonomic recommendations:
The final evaluations were done with a total of 10 very experienced pilots (helicopter/airliner/private pilots), with 14 simulator trials, corresponding to around 50 hours.
Figure 3 summarizes the main works, contributions and innovations brought by EFAICTS.
Dissemination & communication activities:
Two conference papers were presented:
• “Versatile offline simulation tool for systems design”, ERF annual Forum, 7th-10th September2021 in UK (Glasgow - virtual)
• “Development and Evaluation of Coupling Modes and Haptic Functions enabled by Active Inceptor in Cockpits”, VFS annual Forum, 9th-13th May 2022 in USA, Forth-Worth, Texas.
These papers are available on the EFAICTS data repository:
https://zenodo.org/communities/h2020-efaictsproject/(opens in new window)Presentations:
Presentations of the project were done during simulator/ONERA visits (to industry (Airbus Helicopters), DGAC (French Civil Aviation Authority), DGA (French defense procurement agency), military people, etc.), and at annual “Joint Review Meetings” organized by Airbus Helicopter France/Germany, DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) and ONERA.
Courses/Trainings:
Project and active inceptor technology descriptions have been integrated in courses given by ONERA people at the Aix-Marseille University Institute of Technology and Aix-Marseille University.
Presentation and workshop are done at EPNER (École du personnel navigant d’essais et de réception - the French test pilot/Engineer school) to present ASSU technology, EFAICTS project outcomes and system prototype demonstration in simulation environment.
The knowledge gained from the project will be incorporated into future trainings and educational courses.
ONERA will continue to use ASSU as flight controls in its simulator. This will contribute to mature the functions and all developments performed during the EFAICTS project in the framework of existing or future aircraft configurations or missions.
Discussions have been initiated, and will continue, for prototype demonstration in an operational environment.
