An Investigation of the Impact of Aerodynamic Model Fidelity on Close-In Combat Effectiveness Prediction in Piloted Simulation

Several aircraft airframe modeling appro aches are currently being used in the DoD community for acquisition, threat evaluation, training, and other purposes . T o date there has been no clear empirical study of the impact of airframe simulation fidelity on piloted real -time aircraft simulation stu dy results, or when use of a particular level of fidelity is indicated. This paper documents a series of p iloted simulation studies using three different levels of airframe model fidelity . This study w as conducted using the NASA Langley Differen tial Maneuv ering Simulator . Evaluations were conducted with three pilots for scenarios requiring extensive maneuvering of the airplanes during air combat. In many cases, a low -fidelity modified point -mass model may be sufficient to evaluate the combat effectiveness of the aircraft. However, in cases where high angle -of -attack flying qualities and aerodynamic performance are a factor or when precision tracking ability of the aircraft must be represented, use of high -fidelity models is indicated.