New FlightGear Flight Simulator Interface Brings Vehicle Modeling, Simulation, and Visualization Capabilities to the Desktop

NATICK, Mass.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—July 11, 2005— The MathWorks today announced the availability of the Aerospace Blockset 2, which builds on the foundation of Simulink(R) and Model-Based Design for aerospace vehicle modeling, simulation, and visualization. New features bring high-quality flight simulation graphics to the desktop, where modeling and simulation is more accessible and economical than design and test conducted in a lab. Additionally, the new version provides off-the-shelf, drag-and-drop representations of aerospace components using standards-based reference models. Consequently, engineers can use the Aerospace Blockset 2 to optimize vehicle subsystem configurations and rapidly perform subsequent tradeoff studies earlier in the design stage.

Interfacing with FlightGear flight simulator software, new animation blocks in the Aerospace Blockset 2 enable users to visualize vehicle dynamics in a sophisticated 3-D simulation framework. Engineers can now quickly evaluate and verify complex flight dynamics before committing to a final design by using Simulink for multidomain simulation and Model-Based Design.

"The Aerospace Blockset has desktop visualization capabilities that provide the ability to quickly analyze the response of an aerospace system, not only from a pilot's perspective, but also from a chase aircraft or ground observer," said Kevin Cunningham, Aerospace Engineer, NASA Langley Research Center. "The ability to present visual animations is particularly beneficial when complex multi-axis dynamic maneuvers are being evaluated. Now, non-subject matter experts are able to comprehend the results more effectively."

The Aerospace Blockset 2 also extends support for navigation and tracking applications. Expanded modeling utilities, including transformations and equations of motion for world or Earth-Centered Earth-Fixed (ECEF) coordinates, enable engineers to model high-orbiting and long-range vehicles. Similarly, point-mass models make possible the simplified representations characteristic of multiple-body modeling. Plus, an expansion of the GNC library with navigation blocks - an accelerometer, gyroscope and inertial measurement unit - enable users to meet difficult design schedules by providing pre-built components when testing full vehicle designs.

"We are pleased to be providing the aerospace engineering community with a product that not only bridges the gap between modeling, simulation and flight simulation graphics software, but also helps meet the growing demand for designing low-cost, high-endurance aerospace vehicles," said Jennifer Petrosky, industry product marketing manager, The MathWorks. "Now, engineers can save time and money by using desktop modeling and simulation capabilities rather than relying on costly lab-conducted design and testing methods."

Pricing and Availability

The Aerospace Blockset 2 is available immediately for Microsoft Windows, UNIX/Linux, and Macintosh platforms. The U.S. list price starts at $1,000. Additional information is located on The MathWorks Web site at www.mathworks.com/products/aeroblks/.

About The MathWorks

The MathWorks is the world's leading developer of technical computing software for engineers and scientists in industry, government, and education. With an extensive product set based on MATLAB(R) and Simulink, The MathWorks provides software and services to solve challenging problems and accelerate innovation in automotive, aerospace, communications, financial services, biotechnology, electronics, instrumentation, process, and other industries.

The MathWorks was founded in 1984 and employs more than 1,000 people worldwide, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts. For additional information, visit www.mathworks.com.

MATLAB, Simulink, Stateflow, Handle Graphics, Real-Time Workshop, and xPC TargetBox are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. Other product or brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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