DA 40-180 Simulator

The simulator is equipped with a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit as well as a Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot. It can be utilized for studies of visual and instrument flight rules environments. Besides the cockpit mockup, the simulator has a 180° round-view visual and an Instructor Operator Station. It is well suited as a research platform and can also be utilized for academic instruction of students.

Equipment

The simulator is based on a FNTP of Diamond Simulation, a company from Trebur, Germany. It represents the single engine Diamond DA 40-180 Diamond Star. This modern sport and touring airplane is in widespread use and is often operated with modern IFR avionics.

Characteristics

  • Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system (“glass cockpit”)
  • Analog standby instruments
  • Honeywell KAP 140 autopilot
  • Flight Controls with position sensors and force-feedback
  • Four interfaced Windows-server for running the flight dynamics model, the visual system, input and output devices as well as the data recorders
  • Instructor Operator Station: Console with two LCD touch screens
  • 180° round-view visual representation generated by three projectors
  • Visual software from Diamond Simulation
  • The flight mechanics host process is identical to the certified FNTP and allows for the representation of numerous normal and abnormal system states.

Range of application

The simulator is suited for studies in the area of visual and instrument flight rules operations of single engine airplanes. Due to its glass cockpit it is predestined for research in the interaction of GA pilots with complex avionics systems. Furthermore, the workload of the pilot can be selectively increased through the activation of aircraft system malfunctions.

Additionally, the Diamond DA 40 flight simulator can be used for academic instruction. Flight mechanics characteristics, navigation and operating procedures can directly be presented to students and then be practiced by them.

In the near future, it is planned to expand the visual system to allow for the depiction of external aircraft. This will allow for the study of pilot interaction with other aircraft in complex air traffic scenarios.