Optimizing the Performance of Pilot Control Loaders at NASA Vertical Motion Simulator

The Vertical Motion Simulator at NASA Ames Research Center uses a large array of pilot control loaders to simulate the cockpit control interfaces for a range of current and proposed future aircraft, from fixed-wing transports and fighters to rotorcraft. To meet the evolving pilot control force cueing requirements of researchers, we have provided a wider dynamic range, improved frequency response, and created smoother motion results. These improvements have focused on fine-tuning the pilot control loader's analog controller and transducers as well as defining better procedures for optimizing frequency response characteristics. Using the pitch axis on a McFadden wheel and column-type controller as an example, this paper details the optimization procedures.