Strategic aircraft engineering design simulation

An effort is made to demonstrate the concept that engineering simulators such as B-1B ERS (Engineering Research Simulator) can provide a timely and cost-effective method of prototyping and evaluating certain selected changes in controls, displays, and avionics flight software while simultaneously providing up-to-date operational training. Several factors contribute to this environment, including: a readily adaptable engineering development simulation device capable of rapid configuration changes, with simulator configuration control vested in an independent program office (which permits the simulator adaptations necessary to perform studies); and an independent third-party government agency capable of performing credible research, whose research is additionally considered to be unbiased by all of the other parties responsible for system design. It has been shown that the B-1B ERS is both a valuable engineering design assessment device and a reliable primary ground training simulator for B-1B aircrews