Airbus A320 Research Simulator
The A320 Simulator owned by the Institute of Logistics and Aviation is a complete replica of an Airbus A320 flight deck. The simulator hardware is based on a combination of ecaFAROS, Flight Deck Solution (FDS) components as well as original A320 hardware. The hardware also includes all common control-, input-, and output devices. The simulation system resorts to a FAA-certified software distributed by the company Laminar Research (X-Plane, Version 10). The underlying software was enhanced with an Airbus A320 model including the Avionic systems, the Flight Management and Guidance System (FMGCS) up to the hydraulics and the electrical bus systems. The model was developed at the institute in the context of a cooperation treaty with the company Quality Park Aviation Center GmbH (QPAC). To foster further research the model has been made publicly available in an open source manner so that it is possible to adjust individual aviation systems as needed. Hence, the system is subject to continuous developments. Ultimately, the simulator is designed as a Fixed Based Flight Training Device (FTD) which is employed for teaching, training and research purposes.
2005 to 2010
- Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer of the company FAROS
- Replication of A320 cockpit systems
- Main field of application: training for students in the context of the two courses navigation and air traffic
2011 to 2014
- First enhancement of the simulator to become a Flight Training Device (FTD)
- Subsequent addition of input devices (sidestick, rudder) as well as switches
- Existing FAROS software as showcase for tutorials and guided tours
- Development-/Research system: Simulation software X-Plane version 9 and version 10 with specific adjustments for the A320 hardware
2014
- Complete transition to X-Plane 10
- Integration of the customizable Electronic Instrument System (EIS) developed at our institute
- Integration of all Input-/Output devices
- 225° “Curved Screen” projection unit
2015
- Integration of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) developed at our institute
- Linkage with a Surface Movement and Guidance System for traffic generation at transportation airports
- Integration of original A320 hardware (Sidestick, Rudder)
2016
- Replacement of the paddle replica with original parts
2017
- Replacement of the A310 seats original electrically driven A320 seats Integration eines Original-Fahrwerkshebels
- Upgrade ACARS printer
Future work
- Integration of CPDLC and interaction with a Surface Movement and Guidance System
- Linkage and enhancement of an air traffic simulation with a controller work station for traffic generation and interaction
- Replication of the A320 flight deck
- Flight Management System (FMS), Autopilot, Flight Director and Auto throttle
- Implemented Fly-by-wire control concept according to C*-Law
- Simulation of individual aircraft systems according to the ATA-Chapter (Electronics, Hydraulics, Fuel, etc.)
- Display systems (Primary Flight Display (PFD), Navigation Display (ND), Engine Control and Warning Display (ECAM) as well as an Electronic Flight Bag)
- Synthetic view replacement
- Linkage with an ATC simulation is possible, e.g. Arrival Manager (AMAN), refer to SESAR WP-E research project UTOPIA
- Integration into the research areas Trajectory Management and Safety Assessment by means of HIL experiments with airline pilots
- System integration platform for industry- and research collaborators
- Training and teaching
- Integration into the teaching areas Cockpit Technologies and Navigation
Interested visitors may attend one of the regularly recurring events to experience the A320 simulator:
- First semester Introduction for the study course traffic engineering at the beginning of October, respectively
- The Long Night of Science
- The University-Day at University of Technology Dresden
Exhibitions and demonstrations for external visitors are offered for educational purposes (pupils/groups of students) at no charge. Please feel free to send a visitation request via e-mail to one of the responsible staff members.
Moreover, it is possible to book the simulator for employee training courses or integration tests. Respective inquiries should also be addressed to one of the responsible staff members.
Demonstrations and Exhibitions
Supervision of studies and research collaborations
Maintenance and Development
Former Colleagues
- Tobias Gerbothe
- Thomas Günther
- Thomas Kunze
- Lothar Meyer