Validation of Results between Plane Maker and X-Plane 10

Due to the discovery during the research period that the importation of CAD models into X-Plane 10 has no effect on the flight simulation calculations, it was necessary for the whole of the modelling to be carried out within the Plane Maker application. However, before any investigations were performed regarding the correlation of the flight simulation and CFD software data, it was necessary to validate that any modifications made within the Plane Maker tool would translate into X-Plane 10, by means of a change in the handling performance.

It was decided that a Cessna 172 would be used to perform the validation, due to the popularity of the aircraft: it is used extensively world-wide for the provision of flight training, and is also provided as standard with a range of flight simulation software packages. The C172 is still in service, and there is an abundance of information available regarding the aircraft’s performance.

The flight simulation software was loaded with the standard Cessna 172 positioned on the threshold of runway 05 left at Manchester International Airport. The throttle was advanced and brakes released. Upon reaching 55 knots IAS, the aircraft lifted off and its attitude was set to give an airspeed of 70 knots IAS. The simulation was video recorded, detailing the length of the take off roll and also the distance for the aircraft to clear a 50-foot object.

Following this, another simulation was carried out to test the climb rate of the standard C172 model. The aircraft was of a clean configuration (flaps retracted) and the autopilot was used to maintain the aircraft’s heading. Using the trim wheel, the C172 was pitched nose high to hold an airspeed of 70 knots IAS. Whilst at this attitude and airspeed, the rate of climb was recorded.

A copy of X-Plane 10’s standard Cessna 172 was then made for the purpose of applying modifications to the aircraft model. Within the Plane Maker application, the aerofoil cross section of the wing was changed from the original NACA 2412 profile to the NACA LS(1)-0417 profile, which is known to have higher lift characteristic. The model was then loaded into the flight simulation software, and evaluated using the same two testing criteria specified above.

The results of the evaluation are as follows:

	Standard Model	Modified Model
Take off distance (ground roll)	840 ft	805 ft
Take off distance (to clear 50 ft obstacle)	1’673 ft	1’552 ft
Maximum climb rate	745 ft/min	987 ft/min