Metodologia para o desenvolvimento de um simulador em realidade virtual de baixo custo para o treinamento de pilotos de helicóptero da Marinha do Brasil

Abstract

Landing a helicopter on the deck of a moving ship is a significant challenge for pilots. The ship’s movement due to wave interaction, combined with the confined landing space, makes this maneuver complex and hazardous, particularly under adverse meteorological and maritime conditions, requiring precise aircraft control. Flight simulators are essential tools for pilots to train for this maneuver in a safe and controlled environment. In the context of this research, free tools such as Unity, Blender, and Gimp were used for the development of SimPC, a simulator designed to realistically reproduce shipborne helicopter landings, allowing Brazilian Navy pilots to develop the necessary skills to perform this maneuver safely. This work presents a comprehensive methodology for the development of a low-cost flight simulator, encompassing the physical modeling of the aircraft, ship, and ocean waves, along with the creation of an immersive virtual environment that includes meteorological phenomena. The adopted methodology involved the development of SimPC, followed by testing and evaluation by six experienced pilots in this type of maneuver. Flight data was collected and statistically analyzed to assess pilot performance. Additionally, the pilots completed a qualitative assessment questionnaire, providing insights into the simulator’s effectiveness and limitations. The results indicated that pilots rated SimPC as a highly suitable tool with a good level of realism for training shipboard landings. These findings suggest that a low-cost simulator specifically designed to replicate a particular operation can significantly contribute to military pilot training. Furthermore, the methodology proposed in this study serves as a reference for future research aimed at developing similar solutions, enhancing military aviation training practices, and reducing both risks and operational costs.