The simulation of aircraft launch and recovery operations from naval vessels provides a unique set of challenges, requiring realistic modelling of the interactions between the air vehicle, the ship platform, and the environment. The aim of the UK Ship/Air Interface Framework (SAIF) programme is to use the industry standard High Level Architecture (HLA) to provide a realistic real-time simulation of the dynamic interface between the ship and the air vehicle. The initial phase of the project has developed a Ship/Helicopter Operating Limit (SHOL) prediction capability, utilising a networked version of the Merlin helicopter flight simulator at the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose, UK. By developing an accurate and validated simulation capability, the results of simulation and flight test trials may be combined to maximise the aircraft's operating envelope. The SAIF architecture is highly flexible, and can be adapted to support the modelling of both fixed and rotary wing launch and recovery operations, including Maritime Unmanned Air Vehicle (MUAV) concepts.

This paper summarises the development, test and validation of the SAIF architecture, and highlights where the programme is aiming to make further fidelity improvements. Of particular importance is the highly complex realtime modelling of the airwake field around the ship, which can directly affect the level of pilot workload required to safely operate the air vehicle.