Employing model-based systems engineering (MBSE) on a civil aircraft research project: A case study

Abstract

The increasing complexity of the aircraft is forcing the aerospace industry to develop innovative techniques for the coming challenges. Simulation has been proven to be a reliable tool that can be used to give benefit to designers, testers, aircraft vendors and crew training. However, the potential of simulation has not fully been explored in some phases of the aircraft development process, especially in the field of aircraft flight deck human machine interaction (HMI) design. System engineering concentrates on the design and application of the whole aircraft as distinct from parts, which looks at a problem in its entirety. This paper documents the implementation of Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) concepts in support of civil aircraft flight deck HMI simulation design, their benefits, and lessons learned that can be applied to the use of MBSE in support of future aeronautics projects. Finally, a Civil Aircraft Research Project: civil aircraft cockpit HMI simulation bench has been already studied for the purpose of flight deck assessment and evaluation.