VARIABLE  STABILITY  FLIGHT  SIMULATOR

-By Joseph Thomas

Air Mshl P Rajkumar and Gp Capt Deepak Narayanan flying the Nubratron VSFS

 

In 1947, India and Japan were the only two Asian countries with an aviation industry.  Since then, we have progressed in absolute terms but have lagged behind in some areas, particularly in aeroengines and transport aircraft.  We spend lakhs of  crores for import of civil and military transport aircraft, aeroengines and some fighters.

Three government organisations that have done well in design and manufacture are ISRO, the surface Navy and the Simulator Development Division (SDD) of the Indian Army.  Taking inspiration from them, we have started Nubra Education and Research.  In concept we are like a Non-profit society or company.  However, we have registered a private limited company  to involve all stakeholders and allow them to be shareholders.

 

Philip Rajkumar, Sanjay Simha, Deepak Narayanan and others at the instructor station of the Nubratron VSFS.

Our initial plan was to start with a coaching institute.  However, during the long process of registration and getting approvals, we realised that the main demand is for Skill Development.  We also came across a flight simulator manufacturer right here in Namma Bengaluru.  So we have  started with two verticals — Variable Stability Flight Simulator (VSFS) and 3-D Printing.

Our “Nubratron” simulator  provides a platform for researchers and aerospace students to understand aircraft dynamics, conduct studies on aircraft configuration design, flight mechanics, guidance & control. The aircraft model is built using open source data. The  variable  stability and control characteristics allow the researcher to fly and evaluate  various aspects of flying qualities.

Flight simulators are versatile tools that mimic the experience of flying. Flight simulators are widely used for an aircraft’s aerodynamic and control  system development; handling qualities evaluation; exploration of failure conditions; human factors research and pilot training. The degree of realism and accuracy of flight simulation varies as per the requirement and application. Engineer-In-the-loop simulators are developed to carry out design, tuning of flight control laws and for handling quality evaluation

 It is well known that different types of aircraft  exhibit completely different flight stability and control characteristics. The Nubratron can demonstrate different aircraft configurations  ranging from excellent to uncontrollable. We have 4 variables that can be experimented with — Pitch, Roll, Yaw and Thrust.  We can also have the Landing Gear, Flaps, Slats and Speed Brake in various configurations.

 

Dr Indira Gopala Krishna, Member, Board of Trustees, Vivekananda Group of Institutions flies the Nubratron

 

Dr Steve Pettit flying the Nubratron VSFS with Deepak Narayanan

We do hope that aeronautical, electronic, control and software engineers, as well as pilots,  will take full benefit from the Nubratron.  And, of course, those with a general interest in aviation are always welcome.

We particularly welcome  PhD  candidates.  We will provide them with facilities and inputs from a flyer’s perspective.  Specifically, we are contemplating a Rotary Wing Variable Stability Flight Simulator.   PhD candidates could design and build such a simulator.

We need to have Test Pilots and Flight Test Engineers  in CEMILAC,  DGAQA, DGCA,, DRDO, Aeronautical Engg colleges and depts.  Especially for higher posts in these  organisations, a PhD is highly valued.

Some comments from visitors  who have taken rides in the VSFS:

Air Mshl  P Rajkumar, PVSM, AVSM.  Former Project Director for LCA, former Commandant Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment.

I flew the Nubratron simulator and enjoyed the experience.  I am sure it will become a useful educational and research facility once it settles down.  I wish Nubra Education & Research Pvt Ltd success in all their endeavours.

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Sanjay Simha, Military Photographer.

Loved the concept of getting aeronautics students to experience simulated flying at affordable costs.

Wishing Nubra all success.

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Chandan Bilagenda, Aviation Enthusiast.

Very essential and much needed initiative for the aviation enthusiasts of Bengaluru.  From academicians to flying fans, everyone would love to fly this near real deal.  Nice of you to set this up.

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Prof Arun Swaminathan, Architect, Academician, Cartoonist, Artist, and Writer.

Amazing Contribution to learning.

Thank you on behalf of our Nation.

God bless and happy landings always !!!

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Cdr (Dr) Devendra Singh, FTE/Scientist.  Director (R&D), Aerospace, Defence and Allied Programmes, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Nagarbhavi Campus, Bengaluru

Congratulations on taking up the task of skilling Aerospace engineers.  This is most relevant and required domain today.  I am sure your endeavours will yield desired results.

Good luck and best wishes.

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Cdr (Dr) Devendra  Singh, FTE, Director (R&D), Aerospace, Defence and Allied Programmes, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Nagarbhavi Campus, Bengaluru

 

 Video of Air Mshl P Rajkumar and Gp Capt Deepak flying the VSFS

Website of Nubra Education and Research Pvt Ltd

https://mynubra.co.in