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Evaluation on X-Plane Simulator Using Flight Test Data of Light Aircraft KLA-
100 Scaled Model

Conference Paper · November 2016

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 한국항공우주학회 2016 춘계학술대회 논문집 KSAS 2016 Fall Conference

Evaluation on X-Plane Simulator Using Flight Test Data of

Light Aircraft KLA-100 Scaled Model

LV Thang Nguyen1*, Wai Nwe Tun1, Nhu Van Nguyen1, Maxim Tyan1, Sangho Kim1, Jae-Woo Lee1
1
Department of Aerospace Information Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea

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Key Words: Flight simulation, X-plane, Flight test data

1. Introduction
Nowadays, flight simulation plays a significant role Table 1 presents the aircraft components with
in aerospace science researches from design specification and modelling methods in Plane Maker
development to certification stage and pilot training [1] [4].
[2]. Therefore, the accuracy of flight simulator is Table 1: Aircraft components and modelling method
extremely important to ensure that the simulator is able Components Modelling method
Fuselage Into cross-sections, frontal drag
to reproduce the real flight path.
Wing and 2D Airfoil section
X-plane is a simple flight simulator, which allows empennage Control surfaces dimensions
users to model and simulate various types of flight Landing gear Location, steering, cycles
vehicles including fixed-wing, rotorcraft, UAV or tilting Reciprocating engine DLEG0031
Propulsion Output: 3.7hp/8500 rpm
systems. Currently, X-plane can also be used as an system Propeller: 18x10
engineering tool to predict the flying qualities of flight MTOW: 6.9457 kg
Mass and
vehicles [3]. balance CG = [16.5,37.6]%MAC

This research attempts to generate the KLA-100

scaled model and then simulate in X-plane
3. KLA-100 Scaled Model Simulation
environments using control input obtained from the
Figure 2 illustrates the process to simulate aircraft
recorded flight test data via UDP connection [4]. In
model using control input data and record the aircraft
order to evaluate the simulator results, the outputs of
response in X-Plane.
flight simulation are compared with the aircraft
Manual control input

Engine Start Take Off

responses in real flight test.

2. KLA-100 Model Generation in X-Plane Climb to

Level Flight Condition
The KLA-100 scaled model is generated in Plane
Flight Test UDP
Apply Control Input
Automatic Control

Maker – a modelling application in X-Plane. Data connection

Input via UDP

RESULT Record Aircraft

COMPARISON Responses

Figure 2: Simulation process

The process starts from manual engine start,
takeoff and climb to the cruise altitude in manual or
Figure 1: KLA-100 scaled model in Plane Maker
autopilot mode embedded in X-plane. Then, the UDP

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 한국항공우주학회 2016 춘계학술대회 논문집 KSAS 2016 Fall Conference

connection is executed to apply control inputs from simulator

flight test data, which includes control surfaces
deflection and throttle setting.
The examined time for comparison includes 2 to 4
doublets of control input signal and at stable flight
situation. In this case, the analyzed time range is 330s
to 370s of a 1000s-flight-time sortie. Figure 3 verifies
the accuracy of UDP control input signals to simulator
comparing with flight test data. The simulation model
uses accurate control inputs from flight test data.

Figure 4: Aircraft responses comparison

The developed process has proved its efficiency in
accuracy evaluation of X-Plane flight simulator. The
process will be extended for analysis of other Flight
Simulation software.

Acknowledgements
This research was supported by a grant
1615001723 from Light Aircraft Development Program
funded by Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime
airs of Korean government.

Figure 3: Control input signals

4. Aircraft response comparison References

In figure 4, the aircraft simulation response is [1] R. Khaki, "Dynamic flight simulation of aircraft

compared with recorded real flight test data. It can be and its comparison to flight tests," 2015.

observed that the longitudinal motion of simulated [2] S. Y. Ong, "Aircraft 6 DOF model validation
through flight test," 1998.
aircraft performs good accuracy compared with flight
test responses. However, the lateral and directional [3] http://www.x-plane.com. [Online].

motion shows higher discrepancy with the test data. [4] L. s. a. project, "The KLA-100 RC spin test and
W/T test," 2015.3.
5. Conclusions and Future Work
[5] A. Dorobantu, "Validating uncertain aircraft
X-plane simulator shows good accuracy in
simulation model using flight test data," 2013.
longitudinal flight. However, it is so far inaccurate in
other maneuvers due to some limitations:
- Moments of Inertia cannot be specified explicitly
- Possible poor drag estimation inside the

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