1.4.2 Simulation Use During the Development of an Aircraft Cargo Handling System

This paper describes the use and benefits of a simulation of the 767 freighter cargo handling system. Systems Engineering developed the simulation to support requirements development and validation, and system design and verification. To meet the 767 freighter mission and performance objectives, the cargo handling system was designed around a centralized controller, distributed IO architecture utilizing cargo position sensor feedback. This became the first Boeing cargo handling system using microprocessor based software to assess system status and operator inputs, and to command cargo movement. This paper provides a brief description of the cargo handling system. It also illustrates how the simulation was used to ensure that the system would meet its operational goals without violating the primary requirement of safety for crew, cargo loaders, airline maintenance personnel and the public.