Flight research in the research and didactics simulator

Laboratory- und System Description

The ReDSim (Research and Didactics Simulator) is a real-time didactics and research simulator that was developed at the ZHAW. It had its maiden flight on the 17th of March 2011 and has been continuously improved and extended ever since.

The complete mechanical design and most parts of the software were designed and developed by employees of the Center for Aviation and students of various degree courses. The research simulator employs state of the art technology and features a Control Loading System to simulate force feedback to the pilot and a visual system with a field of view of 180 degrees.

ReDSim is used in taught courses of the BSc in Aviation degree course and serves as laboratory for external partners in various fields. Owing to its system architecture, the ReDSim is very flexible and can be adapted for various applications.

• Universal platform: The ReDSim can simulate any kind of aircraft configuration, from gliders up to business jets, helicopter or even tilt rotor aircraft. The ReDSim system allows testing of various aircraft configurations in virtual space. Therefore, ReDSim is a valuable tool for aircraft design and flight-testing.
• Control Loading System (CLS): ReDSim features a proven control loading system. This allows the simulation of the whole control chain from the aerodynamic moments at the control surfaces up to the mechanical features of the actuation systems of the aircraft in question. All effects that have an influence on control forces and aircraft controllability can be simulated.
• Generic Cockpit: The generic cockpit of the ReDSim provides a standard environment and does not represent a specific aircraft type. Therefore, multiple aircraft configurations can be simulated. The mechanical layout of the cockpit could be changed upon customer requirement.
• Configurable Displays: The cockpit instruments are displayed on five displays and can be adapted and designed to the needs of the user. The Center for Aviation therefore also employs the ReDSim in the field of Human-Machine-Interactions research.