A Tutorial and Review on Flight Control Co-Simulation Using Matlab/Simulink and Flight Simulators

Flight testing in a realistic three-dimensional virtual environment is increasingly being considered safe and cost-effective way of evaluating aircraft models their control systems. The paper starts by reviewing comparing the most popular personal computer-based flight simulators that have been successfully interfaced to date with MathWorks software. This co-simulation approach allows combining strengths Matlab toolboxes for functions including navigation, control, sensor modeling advanced simulation scene rendering capabilities dedicated can then be used validate models, algorithms, handling chatacteristics, or perform model identification from data. There is, however, lack sufficiently detailed step-by-step tutorials, there also few attempts evaluate more than one at time. We, therefore, demonstrate our own implementations using Simulink three different simulators: Xplane, FlightGear, Alphalink’s test (VFTE). All co-simulations employ real-time user datagram protocol (UDP) data communication, each has advantages depending on type. In case Cessna-172 general aviation aircraft, Xplane demonstrates successful tests accurate simultaneous tracking altitude speed reference changes while maintaining roll stability under arbitrary wind conditions present challenges single propeller Cessna. For medium endurance Rascal-110 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), FlightGear QGroundControl MAVlink protocol, which accurately follow lateral UAV path map, this setup validity Matlab-based six degrees freedom models. smaller ZOHD Nano Talon miniature (MAV), VFTE, was specifically designed MAV, H-infinity observer-based autopilots software-in-the-loop (SIL) achieve robust low windy conditions. finally extended hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) implementation MAV controller area network (CAN) databus Pixhawk-4 mini autopilot simulated