Programmable force-feedback side-stick for flight simulation

In this paper, we develop and integrate a force-reflection side stick controller for a research flight simulator, including a 2 degrees of freedom (DOF) joystick and the related software. The developed force-reflection joystick provides two-way communication in both position and force, and is very helpful for the user to interact with the simulation system. Thus, the design must allow the restitution of aerodynamic forces onto the hand of the pilot. This is an important feature, which gives the pilot the `natural feel´ of traditional mechanical aircraft control. An automatic controller is implemented based on fuzzy logic systems which provide a control strategy from expert knowledge. For demonstration, we integrate the developed side stick controller system to pilot a virtual aircraft using Microsoft Flight Simulator software (MSFS).