Development of a Simulator for the Testing of Avionics Displays: Exploratory Work in Order to Find Compatibility Between the Data Model of a ... Flight Simulator and Avionics Displays

Avionics displays play an important role in the safe operation of an airplane. They present information to the pilot, on which he/she will make important decisions to control the aircraft. Accurate display of information must be guaranteed in all flight conditions. Failure of that function can lead to catastrophic situations. Intensive testing, in real or simulated flight conditions, is a way to validate the proper operation of the avionics displays. For the avionics emulator (data generator), we make use of a commercially available package called X-Plane for flight simulation. The main objective of this work is to investigate the X-Plane's compatibility with the avionics displays' data model. Furthermore, in order to prove our testimonial, an interface has been developed to send data to the avionics display unit. Additionally an extension has been made to save and load predefined scenarios and flight profiles. By sending dynamic coherent data towards an avionics display, a first step towards high level testing has been made and critical situations can be simulated as the avionics display is functioning like in a real aircraft.