AeroSim Blockset: A Comprehensive Toolkit for Developing Nonlinear 6-DOF Aircraft Dynamics Models

The AeroSim Blockset is a specialized toolkit for aircraft modeling and simulation, particularly suited for developing nonlinear six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) aircraft dynamics models. Implemented as Simulink blocks, this toolkit provides key components for constructing high-fidelity flight simulation environments through drag-and-drop block assembly and parameter configuration.

Core functionalities span multiple critical areas: Nonlinear equations of motion blocks mathematically describe aircraft attitude and trajectory changes using Euler angles or quaternion representations; Component-based linear aerodynamics modules simulate force characteristics of wings, tail surfaces, and other components through coefficient lookup tables or analytic functions; Piston engine propulsion modules support thrust modeling with throttle input mapping; The inertial model incorporates real-time weight variations due to fuel consumption, enhancing simulation realism through mass property updates.

For environmental modeling, AeroSim integrates standard atmospheric models with altitude-dependent parameter calculations, and supports disturbance simulations including discrete gust models and Von Kármán turbulence spectra. The Earth model provides curvature radius and gravity data while computing local magnetic field components crucial for navigation system simulation. These interconnected modules enable developers to rapidly build comprehensive dynamics simulation systems covering basic flight characteristics to complex environmental interactions through systematic block connections and parameter tuning.