Frasca Mustang Jet Simulator Will Enable FAA/NASA Research

(February 3, 2010) -- The FAA has chosen Frasca International, Inc., Urbana, Illinois to supply a second Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) for the Cessna Citation Mustang light jet. This device will be built to the same FAA Level 5 FTD standards as the FAA's existing Frasca Mustang, and will be operated in fulfillment of a NASA research grant by the Aerospace Human Factors Research Lab (AHFRL) at the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute in Oklahoma City.

The Frasca FSTD will feature an accurate Mustang jet flight deck with actual Garmin G1000 avionics, plus TruFeel2(tm) digital electric control loading, TruSound(tm) digital surround sound, and Frasca's intuitive Graphical Instructor Station (GISt(r)). Aerodynamic performance and control forces were measured by Frasca's Flight Test Department, and will be validated before experiments by an integrated auto-test utility. This high level of fidelity for a prevalent aircraft model will minimize the burden of simulation orientation, and allow researchers to focus on natural pilot behaviors.

With automated scenario execution and enhanced data recording, this Frasca FSTD will generate detail-rich reports for post-flight analyses. Flights can be replayed on both the FSTD and remote Debrief Station, including playback of audio communications and cockpit video. Time-stamped event logs will include aircraft configuration, control inputs, attitude, location, and weather conditions. These tools will enable researchers to study complex circumstances in precise detail and identify meaningful trends.

Research will focus first on pilot interaction with, and behavior related to, Traffic Avoidance System (TAS) and XMWX satellite weather information. With Frasca's Traffic Wizard, the operator will design conflicting traffic to be depicted on both the G1000 Traffic Avoidance System (TAS) and visual display system. XMWX satellite weather services will also be available on the G1000, and potentially synchronized with the external visual environment.

FAA contract requirements included proven experience with Mustang jet aircraft and G1000 avionics. Frasca's previous Mustang device with G1000, operated by the FAA's Regulatory Standards Division, achieved Level 5 FTD qualification in 2009. Frasca has the most G1000 experience of all simulation companies, having delivered well over 100 G1000-equipped devices, twelve of which were qualified as FAA Level 6 FTD, another twelve qualified as FAA Level 5 FTD, and the rest as Level 1 FTD, AATD, FNPT I, and FNPT II.

Source : Frasca International - click here for more information