STORM, the new AIRBUS rotorcraft simulation tool based on 60 years of cumulated experience in digital flight physics

Abstract

The paper presents the new in-house rotorcraft aeromechanic simulation tool developed by Airbus. STORM (Simulation Tool for Overall Rotorcraft Modelling) gathers more than sixty years of experience in rotorcraft simulation and paves the way towards great perspectives thanks to its open architecture. STORM was developed to replace the former in-house aeromechanic simulation tool, HOST (Helicopter Overall Simulation Tool) developed in the nineties and widely used on engineering side by various disciplines, and also for building flight loops for real time training simulators. From the requirements given by the community of users, a new architecture was envisaged based on HOST foundations. A first feasibility analysis was launched for one year before deciding to run the development of the future Airbus Helicopters aeromechanic simulation tool. Key features of what STORM brings to rotorcraft aeromechanic simulation are presented, and the future capabilities are detailed.