When seeking to improve our expertise degree in the drone operation and piloting with no costs or risks. Or for testing new flight configurations in our UAVs it is essential to use an HWIL simulation environment, “HardWare-In-the-Loop” or “HIL”.
HWIL simulation is used in complex avionics systems installed in UAVs for the development and testing of new aircraft and autopilot configurations. These avionics systems communicate with a simulation environment to exchange data as would happen in a real flight.
Communication bus between autopilot hardware and flight simulator permit to perform HWIL simulations. Sensors data estimated in the simulator is sent to the avionics system, which takes it as its own sensor data. On the other side, the autopilot sends commands to the actuators in the UAV running in the simulation environment controlling aircraft operation.
In addition, the HWIL simulation environment is not only compatible with UAVs, it is compatible with all kinds of UAS. Including, fixed wing systems, any multirotor configuration, hybrid VTOL aircraft, USVs, UGVs, etc…
UAV HWIL simulation with Veronte HIL
Veronte HIL provides a versatile simulation environment since it permits to test and practice all functions and flight modes available during real UAV operations: manual, arcade, automatic, etc…
One of the biggest advantages of Veronte HIL is that it is not limited to testing the UAV operation and its autopilot configuration during the HWIL simulation. But it also enables testing the operation and performance of actuators, servos, motor and any other device installed in the aircraft.
Furthermore, it permits to verify the configured mission. Playing it in the HWIL prior to real flight for preventing the colliding or for optimizing fuel. As it uses the same avionics that is used in the real flight operation it permits to check the performance and status of the electronics and every device installed.
Veronte Pipe is the control software used with Veronte HIL. It is the same software used during the real operation. In this way, the operator can practice with the hardware in the loop by using the same hardware and software that will be used during a real operation. Thus including all controls available in the system: the creation of curve based routes, flight phase changes, automatic actions management, etc…