Just lately, Aurora demonstrated two essential elements of an efficient and cost-efficient improvement course of for autonomous behaviors and different new plane applied sciences: hardware-in-the-loop simulation and flight testing with a security pilot.
Aurora’s hardware-in-the-loop simulator (HILSIM) allows testing of autonomous behaviors and different new applied sciences utilizing precisely the identical {hardware} and folks as in a stay flight take a look at. Applied sciences will be examined in a low-cost however extremely related simulation atmosphere to find potential points and make refinements previous to testing in flight.
On this case, Aurora was demonstrating autonomous behaviors: take-off, waypoint navigation, and touchdown. Up to now, Aurora has additionally used the HILSIM to check new {hardware}, like mission computer systems and helmet shows, in addition to for different pre-flight testing in autonomy, comparable to detect and keep away from and clear touchdown space identification.
For each its HILSIM and flight take a look at, Aurora used a 1970’s UH-1H navy helicopter. The HILSIM provides a pc server simulating the plane dynamics, which connects on to the UH-1H, and digital shows exhibiting the simulated flight atmosphere. On this case, we have now chosen to point out a pilot view and a chase view. The simulation may even mannequin terrain from the precise take-off and touchdown areas.
The mission command management utility (MCCU) is within the rear passenger space of the UH-1H, and it’s used to load and provoke the mission for both the simulation or the true flight. The MCCU supplies perception to the autonomous system’s view and decision-making course of. It presents 3D and 2D mapping of the mission path, in addition to no-fly zones, protected air volumes, and extra. Within the cockpit, the pilot show contains the plane perspective indicator (pitch and roll), pace, heading, altitude, and flight path steerage. Whereas working a simulation, the flight controls transfer however the rotors don’t spin.
After a number of profitable runs within the HILSIM, the group is prepared for flight take a look at. The plane, pilot, engineer, and autonomy are precisely as they had been throughout simulation. The simulation laptop server is disconnected, and the plane is prepped for flight.
After finishing a pre-flight guidelines, the pilot engages the auto-pilot system, and the engineer launches the mission from the MCCU, simply as they did throughout simulation, solely this time the UH-1 takes-off and routes to its assigned vacation spot. The on-board security pilot doesn’t contact the controls however retains his arms shut in order that he can instantly take over if crucial.
Testing autonomous behaviors utilizing customary plane and an on-board security pilot is one other solution to decrease prices. The event group can keep away from the bills and logistical challenges of testing in closed airspace or a devoted facility. Centaur, Aurora’s optionally piloted plane, presents comparable functionality to check autonomous behaviors within the nationwide airspace with an on-board security pilot.
Testing is essential to the event of any new product or know-how. As a result of Aurora makes use of simply accessible, cost-efficient strategies for simulation and flight testing, the corporate can execute the sort of speedy develop-test cycles that gas profitable improvement.