Distributed Real Time Flight Test Data Review System for General Aviation

For efficient flight testing the data acquisition, reliable storage and ability to timely review the recorded test data are essential. With modern sensor suites and electronics the data monitoring and review process can be performed while the flight is still in progress. However, depending on the aircraft, onboard workstations cannot be accommodated and a telemetry system is required to transmit the data to engineers on the ground. This paper presents the modular iBos system which handles onboard data storage and provides distributed workstations for real time display and analysis of the recorded flight test data. It can be used for setups with telemetry connection and workstations on the ground as well as setups with workstations on board the aircraft. Besides data review features the system provides means for the test pilot and flight test engineers to view a synchronized flight test card and log along with a text based communication channel. The different design choices and requirements for the system are discussed in detail as well as the tasks and features of each system component, in particular the the measures and methodology taken to minimize the required telemetry bandwidth.