The VECTOR-HIL from UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía is a tool designed not only for UAS operator training—where this simulator has proven its relevance and effectiveness—but also as a critical asset for flight control engineers (FC) looking to optimize the development and validation process of new products and functionalities in unmanned aerial systems (UAVs). This hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator provides a controlled testing environment that allows for advanced testing without leaving the development environment, offering numerous advantages.
One of the main capabilities of VECTOR-HIL is the ability to develop and validate new payload, flight control systems, and functionalities of the MCC (Mission Control Computer). By allowing the testing of controllers, flight dynamics, and advanced logic without risk, HIL facilitates the integration of complex payloads or the development of new control laws. Engineers can simulate tests that would normally be conducted in the field but from the comfort of their work environment, speeding up the iteration process and continuous system improvement. This not only helps identify potential failures but also allows for products to be optimized before conducting real-world tests.
VECTOR-HIL also enables engineers to test real flight software under controlled adverse conditions, simulating scenarios such as strong winds and gusts that the platform may encounter in actual operation and even testing operational failures or fuel consumption. This ensures that PID controllers and other critical parameters can be precisely adjusted for a more stable and safe flight.
Another notable feature is the ability to assess aerodynamic and mass changes in the aircraft before conducting physical tests with new elements that impact the aircraft’s aerodynamics. This includes evaluating the integration of a new engine to adjustments in weight distribution, which can be crucial for ensuring optimal UAV performance.
On the other hand, as mentioned at the beginning of the article, the hardware-in-the-loop simulator from UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía is valuable not only for product development but also for accumulating operational training hours. Engineers can simulate realistic missions using 3D models, allowing them to assess platform autonomy and practice operating procedures and sensor failure responses without risking field operations. This functionality is essential both for training operators and for testing new mission strategies. By conducting tests in a controlled and synthetic environment, the costs associated with flight field tests, as well as related errors and incidents, are significantly reduced. VECTOR-HIL minimizes costs related to aircraft development and testing by avoiding the need for physical infrastructure, such as flight fields, and the risk of damaging test platforms, which could result in additional expense. Additionally, the simulator offers precise control over all environmental variables, from atmospheric conditions to potential mechanical failures, thus ensuring complete and surprise-free validation.
In summary, VECTOR-HIL enables flight control engineers to develop, test, and optimize unmanned aerial systems more efficiently, safely, and economically, ensuring that products reach the field already validated and ready for real-world use.
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