Validating uncertain aircraft simulation models using flight test data

Reliability validation of safety-critical flight control systems requires accurate simulation models of the aircraft dynamics. This paper proposes a simple approach to validate such models efficiently based on flight data. A statistical model validation analysis is shown to be equivalent to a robust control analysis for simple linear systems. The analysis is extended to nonlinear systems in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulations to validate an uncertain aircraft simulation model. This approach is demonstrated using the University of Minnesota Unmanned Aerial Vehicle flight test platform.