A method and system for flight testing and evaluating the field of view of a large amphibious aircraft cockpit

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of flight test technology and discloses a method and system for flight testing and evaluation of cockpit visibility for large amphibious aircraft. It includes three flight test subjects: cockpit visibility, cockpit glare reflection, and loss of visibility through a single main windshield. This invention solves the problem of the lack of rigorous cockpit visibility flight tests and evaluations for large amphibious aircraft, reducing flight test risks and improving flight test efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of flight test technology, specifically relating to a method and system for test flight and evaluation of the cockpit visibility of a large amphibious aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] Large amphibious aircraft are characterized by water take-off and landing, water dropping and water retrieval, which are significantly different from the flight path profile of general large transport aircraft. At the same time, due to special factors such as the large change in the aircraft's pitch angle during water take-off and landing, more severe glare reflection on water than on land, and the need to circle and observe the target point before dropping water, higher requirements are placed on the flight test verification and evaluation of cockpit visibility, glare reflection, and loss of visibility of a single main windshield.

[0003] Prior to this invention, no large amphibious aircraft in China had undergone rigorous cockpit visibility test flights and evaluations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the lack of rigorous cockpit visibility testing and evaluation for large amphibious aircraft. Based on the typical mission profile characteristics of large amphibious aircraft, it establishes a cockpit visibility testing and evaluation method, including three test subjects: cockpit visibility, cockpit glare reflection, and loss of visibility through a single main windshield. This provides a reasonable solution for cockpit visibility testing and evaluation of large amphibious aircraft.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for test-flying and evaluating the cockpit visibility of a large amphibious aircraft, which includes the following steps: Step 1: Determine the test flight subjects based on the aircraft's mission, operating type, and airworthiness provisions in civil aviation regulations; Step 2: Determine the test flight conditions and requirements for each subject; Step 3: Determine the flight test profile and design flight test methods for each subject; Step 4: Conduct flight test risk analysis for each subject and develop mitigation measures to ensure flight test safety; Step 5: Establish a cockpit visibility assessment form, adopt a subjective evaluation method by the crew, and formulate acceptable criteria; Step 6: Organize and conduct test flights to obtain test flight data and subjective evaluation results from the crew.

[0006] As a further aspect of the present invention: the test flight subjects in step 1 include, but are not limited to, cockpit visibility, cockpit glare reflection, and loss of visibility from a single main windshield in the cockpit.

[0007] As a further aspect of the present invention: the test flight conditions and requirements for each subject in step 2 include, but are not limited to: Cockpit visibility: No precipitation, daytime, eye position gauge; Cockpit glare reflection: No precipitation, day / night, eye position gauge, crew wearing light-colored tops and not wearing sunglasses; Loss of visibility from a single main windshield in the cockpit: no precipitation, daytime, eye position gauge, and obstructions to visibility from a single main windshield.

[0008] As a further aspect of the present invention: the test flight profiles for each subject in step 3 include, but are not limited to: Cockpit visibility and glare reflection test flight profiles: land and water taxiing, land and water takeoff, climb, cruise, maneuvering, descent, water drop, land and water approach, landing, water landing, water taxiing and water scooping; Test flight profile of single-pane main windshield loss of visibility in the cockpit: cruise, descent, land approach, landing.

[0009] As a further aspect of the present invention: the test flight methods for each subject in step 3 are as follows: Cockpit visibility and glare reflection test methods: Pilots adjust to the designed eye position using the cockpit seat and eye position indicator, and fasten their seat belts. When completing the cockpit glare reflection test, crew members must wear light-colored tops and not wear sunglasses. The cockpit visibility test must consider the impact of changes in the aircraft's center of gravity on the aircraft's pitch angle during takeoff and landing to verify the effect of different pitch angles on cockpit visibility. Taxiing, takeoff, approach, landing, water landing, water drop, and water retrieval test profiles are all performed according to standard operating procedures, with no special requirements. Maneuvering mainly refers to stable circling, performing one left / right banked circling at cruising altitude or slightly above the water drop profile to verify whether glare reflection occurs during circling and whether the requirements for observing the target point are met. Test flight method for single-pane main windshield visibility loss: During stable level flight at cruise altitude, one pilot uses an obstruction to block the corresponding side main windshield to simulate single-pane main windshield visibility loss. The other pilot adjusts to the designed eye position using the cockpit seat and eye position indicator, fastens the seat belt, and uses the remaining cockpit visibility to complete level flight, descent, approach, and landing test flight maneuvers.

[0010] As a further aspect of the present invention: the flight test risks and mitigation measures for each subject in step 4 are as follows: Cockpit Vision Test Flight Risks and Mitigation Measures: There is an obstruction to the cockpit vision. The obstruction cannot be eliminated by turning or moving the head within the specified range, making it difficult to meet the pilot's visual flight requirements. The pilots in the left and right seats should cooperate and return to the airport for landing according to the instrument and ground command requirements. Cockpit glare reflection flight test risks and mitigation measures: Glare reflection may prevent pilots from seeing the contents of displays or instruments, or may prevent pilots from seeing the external field of vision; adjust the aircraft attitude to avoid direct sunlight or reflection, adjust the brightness of instruments and displays to improve glare reflection, and return to base and land as soon as possible; Risks and mitigation measures for loss of visibility from a single main windshield in the cockpit: After the loss of visibility from a single main windshield, the remaining visibility is insufficient to meet the pilot's needs for obtaining external visual information, affecting the pilot's judgment and operation; remove the obstruction to restore full visibility from the main windshield and return to base for landing.

[0011] As a further aspect of the present invention, the cockpit visibility evaluation form in step 5 includes, but is not limited to: aircraft registration number, test flight date, test flight location, mission order number, weather, crew members, seating positions, evaluation profile, other suggestions, and the signature of the evaluator.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention: the acceptable criterion in step 5 is that the subjective evaluation of each profile can be divided into three levels: satisfactory, acceptable, and unacceptable. If there are no unacceptable items, the profile is deemed qualified.

[0013] As a further aspect of the present invention, the flight test data in step 6 includes, but is not limited to: barometric altitude, radio altitude, calibrated airspeed, pitch angle, roll angle, and true heading.

[0014] Secondly, the present invention provides a large amphibious aircraft cockpit visibility test and evaluation system, which includes: The test flight subject development module is used to determine the test flight subjects based on the aircraft's mission, operating type, and airworthiness provisions in civil aviation regulations; to determine the test flight conditions and requirements for each subject; and to determine the test flight profile and design the test flight methods for each subject. The risk analysis module conducts flight test risk analysis for each subject and formulates mitigation measures to ensure flight test safety. The flight test evaluation module establishes a cockpit visibility evaluation form, adopts a crew subjective evaluation method, and formulates acceptable criteria; it organizes and conducts flight tests to obtain flight test data and crew subjective evaluation results.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1) Establish a test flight and evaluation method for the cockpit visibility of large amphibious aircraft. Based on the aircraft's mission, operation type and airworthiness provisions in civil aviation regulations, test flight subjects, test flight conditions, test flight methods and acceptable criteria are given, filling the gap in my country's test flight field. 2) This invention fully identifies the risk points in flight test subjects related to cockpit visibility, glare reflection, and loss of visibility from a single main windshield for large amphibious aircraft, and proposes corresponding risk mitigation measures, providing strong guarantees for flight test efficiency and safety. This invention can provide important guidance for fully verifying test clauses, reducing test risks, and improving test efficiency during cockpit visibility tests of large amphibious aircraft in my country.

[0016] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the cockpit vision test and evaluation method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0022] Example 1 This invention provides a method for test-flying and evaluating the cockpit visibility of a large amphibious aircraft, characterized by the following steps: Step 1: Determine the test flight subjects based on the aircraft's mission, operating type, and airworthiness provisions in civil aviation regulations; Step 2: Determine the test flight conditions and requirements for each subject; Step 3: Determine the flight test profile and design flight test methods for each subject; Step 4: Conduct flight test risk analysis for each subject and develop mitigation measures to ensure flight test safety; Step 5: Establish a cockpit visibility assessment form, adopt a subjective evaluation method by the crew, and formulate acceptable criteria; Step 6: Organize and conduct test flights to obtain test flight data and subjective evaluation results from the crew.

[0023] Furthermore, the test flight subjects in step 1 should generally include, but are not limited to, cockpit visibility, cockpit glare reflection, and loss of visibility from a single main windshield in the cockpit.

[0024] Furthermore, the test flight conditions and requirements for each subject in step 2 generally include, but are not limited to: Cockpit visibility: No precipitation, daytime, eye position gauge.

[0025] Cockpit glare reflection: No precipitation, day / night, eye position gauge, crew wearing light-colored clothing and not wearing sunglasses.

[0026] Loss of visibility from a single main windshield in the cockpit: no precipitation, daytime, eye position gauge, and obstructions to visibility from a single main windshield.

[0027] Furthermore, the flight test profiles for each subject in step 3 generally include, but are not limited to: Cockpit visibility and glare reflection test profiles: taxiing (land and water), takeoff (land and water), climb, cruise, maneuvering, descent, water drop, approach (land and water), landing, water landing, water taxiing and water scooping; Test flight profile of single-pane main windshield loss of visibility in the cockpit: cruise, descent, approach (land and water), landing, water landing.

[0028] Furthermore, the test flight methods for each subject in step 3 are as follows: Cockpit visibility and glare reflection test methods: Pilots shall adjust to the designed eye position using the cockpit seat and eye position indicator, and fasten their seat belts. When completing the cockpit glare reflection test, crew members shall wear light-colored tops and not wear sunglasses. The cockpit visibility test shall consider the impact of changes in the aircraft's center of gravity on the aircraft's pitch angle during takeoff and landing to verify the impact of different pitch angles on cockpit visibility. Taxiing, takeoff, approach, landing, water landing, water drop, and water retrieval test profiles shall be performed in accordance with the standard operating procedures established by the applicant for use and operation, with no special requirements. Maneuvering mainly refers to stable circling, performing one left / right banked circling at cruising altitude or slightly above the water drop profile to verify whether glare reflection occurs during circling and whether the requirements for observing the target point are met.

[0029] Test flight method for single-segment main windshield visibility loss: During stable level flight at cruise altitude, one pilot (either left or right) uses an obstruction (such as an opaque object like kraft paper) to block the corresponding side main windshield to simulate single-segment main windshield visibility loss. The other pilot adjusts to the designed eye position using the cockpit seat and eye position indicator, fastens the seat belt, and uses the remaining cockpit visibility to complete test flight maneuvers such as level flight, descent, approach, and landing.

[0030] Furthermore, the flight test risks and mitigation measures for each subject in step 4 are as follows: Cockpit visibility test flight risks and mitigation measures: There is an obstruction in the cockpit visibility. The obstruction cannot be eliminated by turning or moving the head within the specified range, making it difficult to meet the pilot's visual flight requirements; the left and right pilots should cooperate and return to the airport for landing according to the instrument and ground command requirements.

[0031] Cockpit glare reflection risk and mitigation measures: Glare reflection may prevent pilots from seeing the contents of displays or instruments, or may prevent pilots from seeing the external environment; adjust the aircraft attitude to avoid direct sunlight or reflection, adjust the brightness of instruments and displays to improve glare reflection, and return to base and land as soon as possible.

[0032] Risks and mitigation measures for loss of visibility from a single main windshield in the cockpit: After the loss of visibility from a single main windshield, the remaining visibility is insufficient to meet the pilot's needs for obtaining external visual information, affecting the pilot's judgment and operation; remove the obstruction to restore full visibility from the main windshield and return to base for landing.

[0033] Furthermore, the cockpit visibility evaluation form in step 5 generally includes, but is not limited to: aircraft registration number, test flight date, test flight location, mission order number, weather, crew members, seating positions, evaluation profile, other suggestions, and the signature of the evaluator.

[0034] Furthermore, the acceptable criterion in step 5 is that the subjective evaluation of each profile can be divided into three levels (satisfactory, acceptable, unacceptable), and if there are no unacceptable items, it is judged as qualified.

[0035] Furthermore, the flight test data in step 6 generally includes, but is not limited to: barometric altitude, radio altitude, calibrated airspeed, pitch angle, roll angle, true heading, etc.

[0036] Example 2 Based on the aircraft's mission, operational type, and analysis of the airworthiness provisions in civil aviation regulations, the following requirements are proposed: (1) In addition to MC1 (explanatory document), MC5 (ground test) and MC8 (simulator test), the conformity of the aircraft cockpit view must be demonstrated through MC6 (flight test); (2) When conducting waterborne cross-section test flights, it must be carried out correctly by a crew with waterborne test flight qualifications.

[0037] This invention provides a cockpit visibility test and evaluation system for a large amphibious aircraft, comprising: The test flight subject development module is used to determine the test flight subjects based on the aircraft's mission, operating type, and airworthiness provisions in civil aviation regulations; to determine the test flight conditions and requirements for each subject; and to determine the test flight profile and design the test flight methods for each subject. Among them, the test flight subjects should generally include, but are not limited to, cockpit visibility, cockpit glare reflection, and loss of visibility from a single cockpit main windshield. The test flight conditions and requirements for each subject generally include, but are not limited to: Cockpit visibility: No precipitation, daytime, eye position gauge.

[0038] Cockpit glare reflection: No precipitation, day / night, eye position gauge, crew wearing light-colored clothing and not wearing sunglasses.

[0039] Loss of visibility from a single main windshield in the cockpit: no precipitation, daytime, eye position gauge, and obstructions to visibility from a single main windshield.

[0040] The test flight profiles for each subject generally include, but are not limited to: Cockpit visibility and glare reflection test profiles: taxiing (land and water), takeoff (land and water), climb, cruise, maneuvering, descent, water drop, approach (land and water), landing, water landing, water taxiing and water scooping; Test flight profile of single-pane main windshield loss of visibility in the cockpit: cruise, descent, approach (land and water), landing, water landing.

[0041] The test flight methods for each subject are as follows: Cockpit visibility and glare reflection test methods: Pilots shall adjust to the designed eye position using the cockpit seat and eye position indicator, and fasten their seat belts. When completing the cockpit glare reflection test, crew members shall wear light-colored tops and not wear sunglasses. The cockpit visibility test shall consider the impact of changes in the aircraft's center of gravity on the aircraft's pitch angle during takeoff and landing to verify the impact of different pitch angles on cockpit visibility. Taxiing, takeoff, approach, landing, water landing, water drop, and water retrieval test profiles shall be performed in accordance with the standard operating procedures established by the applicant for use and operation, with no special requirements. Maneuvering mainly refers to stable circling, performing one left / right banked circling at cruising altitude or slightly above the water drop profile to verify whether glare reflection occurs during circling and whether the requirements for observing the target point are met.

[0042] Test flight method for single-segment main windshield visibility loss: During stable level flight at cruise altitude, one pilot (either left or right) uses an obstruction (such as an opaque object like kraft paper) to block the corresponding side main windshield to simulate single-segment main windshield visibility loss. The other pilot adjusts to the designed eye position using the cockpit seat and eye position indicator, fastens the seat belt, and uses the remaining cockpit visibility to complete test flight maneuvers such as level flight, descent, approach, and landing.

[0043] The risk analysis module conducts flight test risk analysis for each subject and formulates mitigation measures to ensure flight test safety. The risks and mitigation measures for each test flight subject are as follows: Cockpit visibility test flight risks and mitigation measures: There is an obstruction in the cockpit visibility. The obstruction cannot be eliminated by turning or moving the head within the specified range, making it difficult to meet the pilot's visual flight requirements; the left and right pilots should cooperate and return to the airport for landing according to the instrument and ground command requirements.

[0044] Cockpit glare reflection risk and mitigation measures: Glare reflection may prevent pilots from seeing the contents of displays or instruments, or may prevent pilots from seeing the external environment; adjust the aircraft attitude to avoid direct sunlight or reflection, adjust the brightness of instruments and displays to improve glare reflection, and return to base and land as soon as possible.

[0045] Risks and mitigation measures for loss of visibility from a single main windshield in the cockpit: After the loss of visibility from a single main windshield, the remaining visibility is insufficient to meet the pilot's needs for obtaining external visual information, affecting the pilot's judgment and operation; remove the obstruction to restore full visibility from the main windshield and return to base for landing.

[0046] The flight test evaluation module establishes a cockpit visibility evaluation form, adopts a crew subjective evaluation method, and formulates acceptable criteria; it organizes and conducts flight tests to obtain flight test data and crew subjective evaluation results.

[0047] The cockpit visibility evaluation form generally includes, but is not limited to: aircraft registration number, test flight date, test flight location, mission order number, weather, crew members, seating positions, evaluation profile, other suggestions, and the signature of the evaluator.

[0048] The acceptable criteria are as follows: the subjective evaluation of each section can be divided into three levels (satisfactory, acceptable, unacceptable), and if there are no unacceptable items, it is considered qualified.

[0049] Flight test data generally includes, but is not limited to: barometric altitude, radio altitude, calibrated airspeed, pitch angle, roll angle, and true heading.

[0050] Advantages of this invention: (1) Establish a test flight and evaluation method for the cockpit visibility of large amphibious aircraft. Based on the aircraft's mission, operation type and airworthiness clauses in civil aviation regulations, test flight subjects, test flight conditions, test flight methods and acceptable criteria are given, filling the gap in my country's test flight field. (2) This invention fully identifies the risk points of cockpit visibility, glare reflection, and loss of visibility from a single main windshield in test flights of large amphibious aircraft, and proposes corresponding risk mitigation measures, providing strong guarantees for test flight efficiency and safety. This invention can provide important guidance for fully verifying clauses, reducing test flight risks, and improving test flight efficiency during cockpit visibility test flights of large amphibious aircraft in my country.

[0051] Thus, the objective of this invention has been achieved.

[0052] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for test flight and evaluation of the cockpit visibility of a large amphibious aircraft, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Determine the test flight subjects based on the aircraft's mission, operating type, and airworthiness provisions in civil aviation regulations; Step 2: Determine the test flight conditions and requirements for each subject, including but not limited to: Cockpit visibility: no precipitation, daytime, eye level indicator; Cockpit glare reflection: no precipitation, day / nighttime, eye level indicator, crew wearing light-colored tops and not wearing sunglasses; Loss of visibility through a single main windshield in the cockpit: no precipitation, daytime, eye level indicator, single main windshield obstruction; Step 3: Determine the flight test profile and design the flight test method for each subject. The flight test profile for each subject includes, but is not limited to: cockpit visibility and glare reflection flight test profile: land and water taxiing, land and water takeoff, climb, cruise, maneuvering, descent, water drop, land and water approach, landing, water landing, and water taxiing with water intake; cockpit single-pane main windshield visibility loss flight test profile: cruise, descent, land approach, and landing. Step 4: Conduct flight test risk analysis for each subject and develop mitigation measures to ensure flight test safety; Step 5: Establish a cockpit visibility assessment form, adopt a subjective evaluation method by the crew, and formulate acceptable criteria; Step 6: Organize and conduct test flights to obtain test flight data and subjective evaluation results from the crew.

2. The method for test flight and evaluation of the cockpit visibility of a large amphibious aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test flight subjects in step 1 include, but are not limited to, cockpit visibility, cockpit glare reflection, and loss of visibility from a single main windshield in the cockpit.

3. The method for test flight and evaluation of the cockpit visibility of a large amphibious aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test flight methods for each subject in step 3 are as follows: Cockpit visibility and glare reflection test methods: Pilots adjust to the designed eye position using the cockpit seat and eye position indicator, and fasten their seat belts. When completing the cockpit glare reflection test, crew members must wear light-colored tops and not wear sunglasses. The cockpit visibility test must consider the impact of changes in the aircraft's center of gravity on the aircraft's pitch angle during takeoff and landing to verify the effect of different pitch angles on cockpit visibility. Taxiing, takeoff, approach, landing, water landing, water drop, and water retrieval test profiles are all performed according to standard operating procedures, with no special requirements. Maneuvering mainly refers to stable circling, performing one left / right banked circling at cruising altitude or slightly above the water drop profile to verify whether glare reflection occurs during circling and whether the requirements for observing the target point are met. Test flight method for single-pane main windshield visibility loss: During stable level flight at cruise altitude, one pilot uses an obstruction to block the corresponding side main windshield to simulate single-pane main windshield visibility loss. The other pilot adjusts to the designed eye position using the cockpit seat and eye position indicator, fastens the seat belt, and uses the remaining cockpit visibility to complete level flight, descent, approach, and landing test flight maneuvers.

4. The method for test flight and evaluation of the cockpit visibility of a large amphibious aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flight test risks and mitigation measures for each subject in step 4 are as follows: Cockpit Vision Test Flight Risks and Mitigation Measures: There is an obstruction to the cockpit vision. The obstruction cannot be eliminated by turning or moving the head within the specified range, making it difficult to meet the pilot's visual flight requirements. The pilots in the left and right seats should cooperate and return to the airport for landing according to the instrument and ground command requirements. Cockpit glare reflection flight test risks and mitigation measures: Glare reflection may prevent pilots from seeing the contents of displays or instruments, or may prevent pilots from seeing the external field of vision. Adjust the aircraft's attitude to avoid direct or reflected sunlight, adjust the brightness of instruments and displays to reduce glare, and return to base and land as soon as possible; Risks and mitigation measures for loss of visibility from a single main windshield in the cockpit: After the loss of visibility from a single main windshield, the remaining visibility is insufficient to meet the pilot's needs for obtaining external visual information, affecting the pilot's judgment and operation; remove the obstruction to restore full visibility from the main windshield and return to base for landing.

5. The method for test flight and evaluation of the cockpit visibility of a large amphibious aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cockpit visibility evaluation form in step 5 includes, but is not limited to: aircraft registration number, test flight date, test flight location, mission order number, weather, crew members, seating positions, evaluation profile, other suggestions, and the signature of the evaluator.

6. The method for test flight and evaluation of the cockpit visibility of a large amphibious aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acceptable criteria in step 5 are as follows: the subjective evaluation of each profile can be divided into three levels: satisfactory, acceptable, and unacceptable. If there are no unacceptable items, it is judged as qualified.

7. The method for test flight and evaluation of the cockpit visibility of a large amphibious aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test flight data in step 6 includes, but is not limited to: barometric altitude, radio altitude, calibrated airspeed, pitch angle, roll angle, and true heading.

8. A cockpit visibility test and evaluation system for a large amphibious aircraft, used to implement the test and evaluation method as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, include: The test flight subject development module is used to determine the test flight subjects based on the aircraft's mission, operating type, and airworthiness provisions in civil aviation regulations. Determine the test flight conditions and requirements for each subject; determine the test flight profile and design the test flight methods for each subject. The risk analysis module conducts flight test risk analysis for each subject and formulates mitigation measures to ensure flight test safety. The flight test evaluation module establishes a cockpit visibility evaluation form, adopts a subjective evaluation method by the crew, and formulates acceptable criteria. Organize and conduct test flights to obtain test flight data and subjective evaluation results from the crew.

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