Department of

Assignment
Engineering and 01 October 2019
Specification
Mathematics

Session: 2019-2020
Module: 55-600208 Aircraft Flight Mechanics & Simulation
Module Leader: Jonny Potts
Assignment number/title: 1 of 2, Aircraft Flight Simulation
Academic contact for guidance: Jonny Potts, j.r.potts@shu.ac.uk
Maximum word count or number of pages: N/A (Merlin Flight Sim Model Files)
Percentage contribution to overall module mark: 10% Weighting
Deadline for submission: 3pm GMT Thursday, 14 November 2019
Method and Location for Submission: Blackboard submission plus Turnitin
Deadline for return of feedback: Thursday, 05 December 2019
Module learning outcomes to be assessed:
• Critically analyse, compare and contrast simulated in-flight data outputs with theoretical flight
mechanics through the development of an aircraft simulation model to satisfy acceptable
performance and stability criteria.

References/recommended reading:
ESHELBY, M. E. (2000). Aircraft performance: theory and practice. American Institute of Aeronautics
and Astronautics., Elsevier , Oxford, Print ISBN: 9780340758977
FILIPPONE, A. (2006). Flight performance of fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Butterworth Heinemann,
London, eISBN-13: 9780080461038, Print ISBN: 9780750668170
PHILLIPS, W. F. (2004). Mechanics of flight. Harlow : e-copy Pearson/ hardcopy Prentice Hall, e- ISBN:
1405823593, Print ISBN: 9780273773511
STEVENS, B. L., and LEWIS, F. L. (2003). Aircraft control and simulation. John Wiley & Sons. Print ISBN:
0471371459
YECHOUT, T. R. (2003). Introduction to aircraft flight mechanics. AIAA. Print ISBN: 9781563475771
Please ensure that all sources of information used are referenced. For guidance see
http://libguides.shu.ac.uk/referencing
All assessments are subject to SHU's collusion and plagiarism regulations. Please refer to:
https://students.shu.ac.uk/shuspacecontent/assessment/plagiarism

Aircraft Flight Mechanics & Simulation Page 1 of 3

 Small Group Aircraft Flight Simulation Model & Aerofoil Input File
plus Logbook

This assignment involves the development of a flight simulation model of a known aircraft
that has entered service. You will choose an aircraft from the table below and work in teams
of around 3-5 people on the creation of an aircraft model compiled to represent your chosen
aircraft as closely as possible. You should build your model using the Merlin Flight Simulator
Excalibur II software to effectively represent your chosen aircraft with sufficient detail.

Airbus A319 Boeing 727 Boeing 307 Stratoliner

Table. Choice of Aircraft Models

There will be weekly classes to cover more practically based background implementation
guidance, the laboratory sessions are available for hands on support using the flight
simulator, to work on your aircraft model initially then conduct simulated experiments during
bookable sessions on the Merlin Flight Simulator. Your development work will be reflected
in the functionality and performance quality of your simulation model that will be assessed
by the test pilot (ie your tutors).

In addition to your simulation files, in order to evidence your model development, you will
need to collate a logbook documenting your calculations, workings and analysis (either hand
written or in spreadsheet form) conducted as a small group and collated together in
electronic form as a single document. The author of each section or page should be
indicated throughout this document.

Submission requirements are your aircraft simulation model plus the aerofoil file(s) and a
pdf document of screen captures of your hand written notes and calculations including any
diagrams etc. you’ve produced along the way. Your group will be awarded a flat mark for this
assessment identical for each member of your team, unless there is an insignificant level of
engagement or contribution to the group work submission from one of more members.

[Please note, the research and analysis work conducted during the present phase of the
project in the form of a logbook, will be updated and finalised then submitted as part of your
final assignment report during Sem 2.]

Optional test flight document

It is possible that you may wish to outline a set of procedures, in bullet point form, required
for successful operation of your aircraft model for the benefit of the test pilot, as a companion
to your model. A template Merlin test flight document will be provided in order for you to do
so. This is an optional addition to supplement the required submission of aircraft model file
and aerofoil files(s) if you so wish.

Aircraft Flight Mechanics & Simulation Page 2 of 3

 Appendix – Assessment Criteria - Aircraft Flight Simulator Model (Small Group) [Weighting 10% Overall]

Weighting:
Criterion:
Aircraft Flight Simulator Model
Functionality
Representative 2D Aerofoil Data
FIRST (100 to 70%) UPPER SECOND (69 to 60%)
%
Aircraft model fully operational, capable Aircraft model operational,
of take off, climb, cruise, full control capable of take off, climb, cruise,
authority, good acceleration. limited control authority,
limited acceleration.
Creation of Excalibur II simulation model Creation of Excalibur II
80% represents aircraft from Table 1 above. simulation model represents
aircraft from Table 1 above.
Logbook evidences analysis behind input Logbook evidences analysis
values to flight simulation model. behind input values to flight
simulation model.
VH H M L H M L
Aerofoil data submitted in correct format Aerofoil data seemingly
& functions correctly when loaded on the submitted in correct format but
flight simulator, filename labelled does not function correctly when
20% according to intended aerofoil it loaded on the flight simulator,
represents. filename labelled according to
intended aerofoil it represents.
LOWER SECOND (59 to 50%)
Aircraft model operational,
capable of take off, climb, cruise,
lack of control authority, lack of
acceleration.
Creation of Excalibur II
simulation model represents
aircraft from Table 1 above.
Logbook evidences analysis
behind input values to flight
simulation model.
H M L H
Aerofoil data seemingly
submitted in correct format but
does not function correctly when
loaded on the flight simulator,
no indication of intended
aerofoil it represents.
THIRD (49 to 40%) INSUFFICIENT (39 to 1%) ZERO
Aircraft model has limited Aircraft model inoperable
operation, unable or just
capable of take off, low climb
rate, low cruise speed, lack of
control authority, lack of
acceleration.
Creation of simulation model
represents aircraft from Table 1
above.
Logbook does not evidence input values to
Logbook evidences partial flight simulation model.
analysis behind input values to
flight simulation model.
M L H M L VL 0
Aerofoil data not submitted in Aerofoil data not submitted, fundamental
correct format & does not errors, unusable, no labelling.
function correctly when loaded
on the flight simulator, no
indication of intended aerofoil it
represents.

VH H M L H M L H M L H M L H M L VL 0
Weighting:
Criterion: FIRST (100 to 70%) UPPER SECOND (69 to 60%) LOWER SECOND (59 to 50%) THIRD (49 to 40%) INSUFFICIENT (39 to 1%) ZERO
%

Aircraft Flight Mechanics & Simulation Page 3 of 3