 |
| News > AFRL Steps Up Vital Role in Incident Investigations |
|
|
| |
| Photos | |
 |
AFRL researchers are testing this 23 percent scale model of the Speed Agile vehicle at the Arnold Engineering and Development Center’s National Full Scale Aerodynamics Complex, the world’s largest wind tunnel. (AEDC/NFAC Photo)
|
Download HiRes
|
|
|
|
AFRL Steps Up Vital Role in Incident Investigations
Posted 9/26/2011 Updated 9/28/2011
Email story
Print story
by Holly Jordan
Air Vehicles
9/26/2011 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Computer simulations are often the best -- and sometimes the only -- way to piece together complexities of aircraft incidents, allowing investigators to virtually recreate events that are impossible to stage in a real-life scenario. Researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory are playing a key role in aircraft incident investigations through continuous advancements in database development and modeling.
In creating the most accurate terrain databases possible for simulations, AFRL researchers obtain vital information such as satellite imagery and elevation data. Once they have the necessary baseline data, they work on refining the databases, integrating features such as an airfield with the terrain.
AFRL's challenges include demand for quick turnarounds, complexity of the model, and revisions that are required after the model is integrated into the simulation. Because of their experience and ever-expanding library of terrain data, AFRL is ahead of the game in quickly producing quality databases. Most of the terrain databases are used to support AFRL programs, but as the capabilities expand, AFRL is providing more support to external customers such as Accident Investigation Boards. AFRL's ability to create these databases in-house results in significant cost savings, which allows funds to be allocated toward other necessary project needs.
To further expand capabilities, AFRL, in conjunction with InfoSciTex Corporation, is developing new open-source software for building databases. The new software will help reduce maintenance costs and further increase the speed at which researchers can produce the databases. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
