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DEVELOPMENT OF AN AUTOPILOT SYSTEM FOR FLIGHT SIMULATION IN A PREPAR3D SIMULATION ENVIRONMENT

Alessandro Merlino

DEVELOPMENT OF AN AUTOPILOT SYSTEM FOR FLIGHT SIMULATION IN A PREPAR3D SIMULATION ENVIRONMENT.

Rel. Elisa Capello, Stefano Primatesta. Politecnico di Torino, Corso di laurea magistrale in Mechatronic Engineering (Ingegneria Meccatronica), 2024

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Abstract:

The aim of this thesis is to develop a general-purpose flight simulation station, implement a data acquisition system to collect information from the simulator, and design an autopilot capable of performing aircraft takeoff, executing a standard turn to align with a specified point based on latitude and longitude coordinates, and maintaining a desired altitude. This study is part of a larger project that also involves the creation of a wearable device providing haptic and visual feedback to the simulator user, making the experience more realistic. The project is a collaboration between the Politecnico di Torino and Sipal SPA. The simulation station consists of a configurable seat equipped with various hardware attachments, including a joystick, pedals, and throttle. For visual display, an ultra-short throw projector and two touchscreens were selected to display the cockpit and onboard instruments, and to allow interaction with them. The software used is Prepar3D, a professional license product by Lockheed Martin. C++ code was implemented to develop the data acquisition and autopilot modules, facilitating interaction with the software. Several communication protocols were utilized for the data acquisition system: SimConnect, a TCP/IP-based protocol developed by the simulator manufacturer, was used to extract data directly from Prepar3D; and MQTT, also TCP/IP-based, was employed to forward data to another module that controls the actuators for sensory feedback. The application is configurable via a configuration file that allows the selection of data to be extracted. The autopilot was designed for use with the Lockheed Martin F-35. The system comprises several units: the takeoff system, which enables the aircraft to take off; the controller that manages the standard turn maneuver; and the controller that maintains the desired altitude. For the turn maneuver, a controller was developed to execute a standard turn, a turn at a constant angular rate. After setting the bank angle between 30° and 45° using a PID controller, control actions are applied to the angular velocity relative to the aircraft’s z-axis, with control executed by the aircraft’s elevators. For altitude control, a PID controller was implemented, which adjusts altitude through the aerodynamic surfaces, specifically the elevators. Overall, the system provides faster and more precise performance compared to the autopilot offered by Prepar3D.

Relators: Elisa Capello, Stefano Primatesta
Academic year: 2024/25
Publication type: Electronic
Number of Pages: 116
Subjects:
Corso di laurea: Corso di laurea magistrale in Mechatronic Engineering (Ingegneria Meccatronica)
Classe di laurea: New organization > Master science > LM-25 - AUTOMATION ENGINEERING
Aziende collaboratrici: Sipal SpA
URI: http://webthesis.biblio.polito.it/id/eprint/33091
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