The j2 Universal Tool Kit Flight Test Suite has recently added further capability through a client sponsored development.

This project focused on the ability to speed up the flight matching process in real time, including the use of auto regression to rapidly generate correction factors. The speed with which this new capability process can converge on a solution is breathtaking. The resulting conclusion can be fed back to the, still airborne, test aircraft and guide the flight test programme to determine whether further test points are required.

j2 Developer was used to create an item that would take the flight test data and automatically calculate the coefficients from it, as well as the coefficients from the predictive model.

The overall process of importing the test data, generating the re-prediction profile and then assessing the coefficients through to a satisfactory conclusion took approximately 30 minutes. During this process, 36 correction factors were generated 3 times converging on a good correlation between flight test and predictive model. When comparing with the standard ”trial and error” approach this delivered large time savings and enables the analysis to be performed whilst the aircraft is still performing the flight trial.

The outcome is, there is less need to perform all the flight matching and post processing activities on the ground to determine whether additional test points are required. Similarly, if a good set of results can be found when the aircraft is still airborne, then there is the ability to avoid re-running further tests that have previously been scheduled resulting in further savings. Initial estimates are that this capability could reduce the flight test programme and its cost by at least 25%.

An additional benefit is that with each test point increasing confidence is gained in the predictive model. This can be demonstrated to test pilots such that there is increasing confidence in what is being shown during briefings.

Finally, using the j2 Universal Tool-Kit it is also possible to directly integrate the corrected models into the simulator environment without the need for recoding and recompilation. Each case can be flown on the ground at the same time to reproduce what is being seen in the air, and the corrected models are automatically available for pilot briefing before the next flight, building greater confidence.

The attached pdf provides the summary information from the development.

j2 Aircraft Dynamics have released the latest functional plug-in addition to their Universal Tool-Kit  design, analysis and aircraft modelling software suite. This fully integrated module will allow users to search for and predict a variety of performance parameters and values.

There is no need to write code or re-compile, j2 Performance is fully integrated using the clients existing aircraft model information which is already in the j2 software suite.

j2 Performance also links with the embedded control of change feature that runs throughout the j2 Universal Tool-Kit software and the powerful visualisation plug-in j2 Visualise, to print out graphs, data and charts of the performance analysis.

To find out more download the pdf from the j2 Performance product page. download the attached pdf.

The key strength of the j2 software is that it is able to use the legacy code that is trusted and proven in the first instance, show how the j2 software uses the existing code and then to demonstrate how this is enhanced using j2 in value terms.

It is possible to run the entire flight test envelope using the j2 Flight Test Suite software to identify and evaluate areas of sensitivity requiring more detailed evaluation.

For more information on how the j2 Software can be used to significantly shorten the duration of flight test programmes please look to the pdf file attached to the news item.

The change is added as a delta to the base model, so any number of changes or sensitivities can be analysed in one go. Furthermore the change can be flown straight to Simulation in real time and a Pilot can assess the actual impact of the change on aircraft handling or a series of potted manoeuvres can be programmed into j2 and the auto pilot can fly them and provide a visual comparison of the flights from a number of design cases using the 3D viewing platform, J2 Virtual.

The j2 software suite is able to take actual flight test data as it is generated in real time, run the complete analysis whilst the test aircraft is airborne, compare against the predictive aero model and provide re-direction back to the test programme Pilot in minutes.  The predictive aircraft model is updated, outputed to any Simulator platform and then re-flown at will, building greater and greater fidelity in the predicted model throughout the flight test programme.

The j2 FlightTest software can be used to predict flight test points and areas of potential sensitivity thus focusing efforts on where the actual flight test programme should concentrate their available flight hours. The constant feedback and analysis of live data can move the flight test process on or request further data instantly should this be required without the need to land and de-brief.

The j2 Flight Test software can also be used directly to SIM environments to assist test pilots in flight test planning and risk mitigation providing a powerful briefing tool on what to expect when performing specific certification manouveres.    

The j2 Flight Test software suite can take most data formats from flight test instrumentation, running cases in the air with engineers on board or via telemetry with ground based personnel. Either way the resulting analysis and re-direction is instant taking only a few minutes to complete.

J2 Aircraft Dynamics expect this advance will reduce the costs of flight test by more than 20% vs techniques used today.      

To find out more click here and download the pdf VP-Flight test master-11-04-07.

The growth in use of j2 software globally from concept thru detailed design to flight test has caught the attention of consultants who want to access the j2 Universal Tool Kit software on a project by project basis. This is now possible, with a low cost of entry, time-out license keys and a knowledge exchange forum suporting the initiative.

Associate Consultants can choose to become geographic hubs, recruiting other associates locally, benefitting from the growth and acceleration in use of the j2 Software across the aerospace world.

Companies or individuals wishing to become members of the j2 GACPP can review the draft j2 contract available in pdf format or can contact j2 for more information through the contact pages on the website.