Evaluation of an Electro-magnetic Seeker Using a Hybrid Simulation and an Instrumented Test Bed Helicopter.

François Meignien, Flight Test Engineer, DGA Essais en vol - site de Cazaux, France
Stéphane Tessereau, Test Engineer, DGA Essais en vol - site de Cazaux, France

Abstract

Development and evaluation of seekers requires numerous tests. DGA Essais en vol developed flight test methods along with several ground and flight assets in order to meet cost, schedule and performance objectives. Using the example of the “AUDACE” program (which is an upgrade for a legacy surface-to-air missile seeker), this paper will highlight some of the difficulties encountered in flight testing and the solutions implemented to achieve the test objectives. First, the “predict, test validate” approach was adapted to the specifics of seeker testing, including software simulations and hardware-in-the-loop simulation. Then, the seeker was evaluated in the real environment with actual targets, the objectives being to validate the models used in the simulation and to progress toward the first missile live-fire test. This paper will also present how the flight test instrumentation (FTI) was developed with an emphasis on the stand-off targeting system and the seeker control module. Integration of this FTI on the test-bed helicopter was one of the biggest challenge and included testing Murphy’s Law when part of the FTI almost separated from the aircraft in flight, even after a lengthy ground and flight validation. Careful test point selection and use of an in-house developed software, “prevalight”, helped plan the test profiles for maximum efficiency. Finally, we’ll show the kind of results that were obtained (detailed results cannot be released) and how the results were used to achieve the test
objectives.