Working with dynamic system modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink and Real Time Workshop, the product allows real-time simulations of dynamic systems to be quickly created and used throughout the design cycle -- from initial concepts to controller design, test and validation to operating in a real-time HLA federated simulation.

"The development of compact digital control systems in recent years has revitalized the use of the UAV for military and scientific applications. This resurgence has spawned development of new UAV applications. The challenge for UAV design engineers has been to quickly determine what applications can most effectively utilize today's advanced electronics technology," said Marco Papini, Manager of Opal-RT's Aeronautical Modeling and Simulation Services Division.

"By employing the RT-LAB UAV Engineering Simulator in these design efforts, UAV design engineers can now field-test virtual prototypes in cooperative simulations, saving time and resources that can be applied to the development of new UAV concepts, controllers, intelligence and deployment strategies."

The RT-LAB UAV Engineering Simulator consists of the following elements: UAV Block Library, HLA Interface tools and Opal-RT's flagship RT-LAB real-time technology.

The Simulink based UAV Block Library contains many common components of UAV models, such as navigation algorithms, propulsion models, flight dynamics equations, atmospheric model, and controls sensors. A template model is also provided to show how a complete UAV model can be easily assembled. By using MathWorks' Real Time Workshop and Opal-RT's RT-LAB, C-code can be automatically generated and compiled, for simulation, in real-time, on the PC-based RT-LAB UAV Engineering Simulator.

The RT-LAB UAV Engineering Simulator is configured to resemble a standard UAV operator station. It may be deployed as a stand-alone simulator, connected to Hardware in the Loop (HIL), and/or connected to HLA federates. Employed as a stand-alone real-time simulator, it is ideal for research in control laws, man-machine interfaces and system integration. Employed as HLA objects, more advanced issues may be studied, such as operational doctrines, autonomous behavior and formation flying.

All hardware in the RT-LAB UAV Engineering Simulator is PC based and clustered via FireWire network connection to permit maximum flexibility in selecting performance and scalability. As the complexity of the UAV model grows, additional Pcs can be added. In addition, UAV models can be connected and disconnected from a simulation to reflect real deployment. The RT-LAB UAV Engineering Simulator also allows for communication to an HLA federate as one object or several, and can allow for Hardware in the Loop testing through standard PC I/O.

"RT-LAB UAV Engineering Simulators make it possible to integrate complex models, real components and ideas into real-time simulations, even cooperative simulations," said Papini. "They provide the perfect tools for the UAV researcher who wants to go from concept to reality with minimum time and effort."

The RT-LAB UAV Engineering Simulator is now available, with commercial system pricing starting at USD$45,000. Special pricing is available where systems are to be used in academic research projects.

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