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U.S. Department of Energy
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Systems integration test laboratory application experiences

Conference · · AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States)
OSTI ID:5327697
; ;  [1]
  1. Grumman Space Systems Division, Bethpage, NY (USA)

The ability to safely control highly dynamic systems is of prime importance to designers. Whether the system is an aircraft, spacecraft, or propulsion system, control system designers must turn to test laboratories not only to verify and validate the control systems, but also to actually use the laboratory as a design and development tool. The use of the laboratory early in the development phase of a system---prior to committing to actual hardware/software (HW/SW)---permits early detection of system anomalies, thereby minimizing program development costs while enhancing safety. Later the laboratory can be used to train system operators (for example, pilots, ground crew) in preparation for flight/ground test. In the case of the statically unstable X-29 forward swept wing aircraft, a comprehensive real-time, hardware-in-the-loop test facility was critical in the development of the aircraft's digital fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system. The X-29 laboratory initially was used to introduce control laws to a simulated real-time environment to verify control system characteristics. Later, actual flight hardware was introduced to the laboratory, at which point the formal system verification/validation test program began. The test program utilized detailed test plans and procedures derived from system requirements and specifications to map out all tests required.

OSTI ID:
5327697
Report Number(s):
CONF-910116--
Journal Information:
AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States), Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States) Vol. 217:3; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPC
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English