The NF-l6D VISTA Simulation System

Called VISTA (Variable-stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft), the one-of-a-kind NF-l6D has a simulation system that can mimic several aircraft. Though housed in an F-l6 Fighting Falcon airframe, VISTA can also act like the F-15 Eagle or the Navy's F-14 Tomcat. More importantly, such flexibility allows for improved training and consolidation of some sorties. Consequently USAF Test Pilot School students will have an opportunity to learn how to test future integrated cockpits. In this paper we will use the multiple model adaptive estimation (MMAE) and the multiple model adaptive controller (MMAC) techniques to model the aircraft's flight control system containing the longitudinal and lateral-directional axes. Single and dual actuator and sensor failures will also be included in the simulation. White Gaussian noise will be included to simulate the effects of atmospheric disturbances.