Hardware-in-the-loop simulation for quality assurance

An evaluation is conducted of experience related to the simulation of the Chaparral missile, which is a supersonic, surface-to-air, passive IR homing missile. It is concluded that the application of hardware-in-the-loop simulation to engineering quality assurance may be a reasonable and productive activity. The particular needs for utility, economy, and complementarity associated with the quality assurance activity influence significantly the simulation characteristics of structure, procedures, and cost. Because correlation is high between the goals of the user for engineering quality assurance and the characteristics of a responsive simulation tool, and because virtually all discretionary decisions are made early in the simulation development program, it is recommended that a particularly explicit and extensive understanding exist between the user and the simulation agency with regard to the goals, approach, and cost of the proposed simulation activity.