CAE to help build virtual CSeries for total testing
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By David Learmount
Montreal, Canada-based simulator manufacturer CAE (hall 3, C38) is working with Bombardier (hall 2E, E111) to produce the first full flight simulator for the CSeries next-generation single-aisle twinjet. But Bombardier is also going to employ CAE's skills in systems integration and simulation well before the new aircraft needs to train pilots to fly it for real, helping the manufacturer to set up a new totally integrated CSeries systems test rig.
The skills CAE will deploy in support of the CSeries represent an extension of its traditional range of engineering services, says Jeff Roberts, CAE's group president civil simulation products, enabling the company to offer design and test support during the development phase of any new aircraft.
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A new Bombardier plant in Montreal will house a virtual CSeries aircraft that will be created by linking all the aircraft systems and components and running them for the equivalent of some two years of flight test activity, so that when the real aircraft gets airborne the systems and their integration has already been proven. CAE will be working with Bombardier to create this virtual aircraft, which Bombardier calls its "complete integrated aircraft systems test aircraft (CIASTA)".
CAE says: "CAE will first provide a comprehensive suite of products, engineering services and simulation-based technology tools to support the design, testing and certification of the CSeries platform [the CIASTA]. All research and developmentfor this project will be done in Montreal. CAE will then design and deliver the prototype full flight simulator for this project as well as a full suite of CAE Simfinity training devices to support the aircraft entry into service and Bombardier flight and technical training."
CAE adds that it is launching a new suite of products and services, to be known as the CAE Augmented Engineering Environment (CAEE) as part of the CIASTA programme. The CAEE will include a modelling and simulation environment that will allow original equipment manufacturers to evaluate, test and validate a range of aircraft models and systems during the development phase.
As part of the CIASTA programme, CAE says, it will deliver an engineering simulator, host computer system and interface with an integrated system test certification rig that is used to perform testing in a "hardware in the loop environment" to support systems development, systems validation and verification, to test for safety, and to support certification.
Work on the programme will start immediately, says CAE, and the delivery of the CAEE to support the CSeries CIASTA will take place in 2011. The prototype CSeries full flight simulator and Simfinity training devices for initial pilot and engineer training will be in place early in 2013 to support the aircraft's entry into service later that year.
