Parameter identification studies on the NASA/AMES Research Center Advanced Concepts Flight Simulator

Abstract

The results of an aircraft parameters identification study conducted on the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationAmes Research Center Advanced Concepts Flight Simulator (ACFS) in conjunction with the Navy-NASA joint Institute of Aeronautics are given. The ACFS is a commercial airline simulator with a design based on future technology. The simulator is used as a laboratory for human factors research and engineering as applied to the commercial airline industry. Parametric areas examined were engine pressure ratio (EPR), optimum long range cruise Mach number, flap reference speed, and critical take-off speeds. Results were compared with corresponding parameters of the Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft. This comparison identified two areas where improvements can be made: (1) low maximum lift coefficients (on the order of 20%-25% less than those of a 757; and (2) low optimum cruise Mach numbers. Recommendations were made to those anticipated with the application of future technologies.