Laboratories

In order to validate novel HMI (Human-Machine-Interface) and flight control concepts, a simulator is needed that stimulates the different levels of perception as extensively as possible. Against this background, a prototype flight simulator was set up at ILS to validate the Easy Handling Control concept.

The simulator reproduces the flight characteristics of the DA40-V1 aircraft identified in the flight test. The integrated touchscreen controllers enable efficient evaluation of new operating concepts, such as those that are becoming increasingly important in the context of future Personal Air Vehicle (PAV) applications.

In order to integrate fly-by-wire systems into aircraft of the classes CS23 (general aviation), CS25 (air transport) and CS27/29 (helicopters) and to obtain an airworthiness certificate for them, comprehensive tests and consequently powerful test facilities are required. The HiL (Hardware in the Loop test rig - open and closed loop) is one such facility. The HiL developed by the ILS is characterized by the fact that it enables (fault) stimulations to be performed simultaneously from outside and inside the hardware modules of a fly-by-wire or avionics system in real-time operation. The HiL automatically executes the necessary test procedures. This execution can also be done remotely via an Internet connection. In the context of FlySmart, for example, the tests on the fly-by-wire system of the DA42 in Wiener Neustadt were carried out under control from Stuttgart. In a simplified version, such facilities are also available to students as part of practical courses in the master's degree program.

An adaptive cabin management system was built to evaluate the Adaptive Avionics Platform. The cabin management system is capable of executing cabin functions, such as cabin audio and cabin lighting, autonomously, fault-tolerantly and deterministically. The user has to plug together the computers and sensors (e.g. handset, loudspeaker, light control, reading lamp) in the desired arrangement and select the system functions to be executed. The system is then put into operation in a dedicated operating phase, called the organization phase, with the help of a central organization computer. During this phase, the Adaptive Platform is automatically set up according to the connected hardware. The demonstrator is continuously extended with new functions, serves to try out new concepts and offers students the opportunity to participate practically in adaptive avionics platforms.