Airbus A320 Research Simulator

The A320 simulator of the Institute of Logistics and Aviation is a complete replica of an Airbus A320 cockpit. The simulator hardware is based on a combination of reproductions of ecaFAROS and Flight Deck Solution (FDS) components as well as original components of an A320 aircraft. The hardware includes all common control, input and output devices. The simulation system uses FAA-certified software distributed by Laminar Research(X-Plane, version 11). This was extended by an Airbus A320 model from ToLiSS, which includes the avionics systems, the flight management guidance and control system (FMGCS) through to the hydraulics and the electrical bus systems.

The simulator is designed as a Fixed Based Flight Training Device (FTD), which is used for teaching, training and research purposes. As part of the course Cockpit Technologies, students have the opportunity to try out the basic operation of a modern airliner in several tutorials. The simulator is also available to the public on selected days, such as the Dresden Science Night or the University Information Day.

Media

History

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

Features and Capabilities

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

Applications

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

Public Openings

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.

Training courses / Research collaborations

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.

Team