A review of numerical virtual flight studies for aerodynamic, motion and control coupling in complex flight conditions

High-fidelity simulation of an aircraft’s dynamic reaction characteristics under challenging flight conditions is made possible by numerical virtual flight (NVF) technology, which is essential for designing control laws and assessing flight quality. This paper systematically reviews the NVF technology coupled with aerodynamics, motion, and control, with an emphasis on the application of this coupling method in complex flight problems. This paper outlines the basic framework and technical workflow of NVF, elaborating on the evolution of dynamic mesh technology from single deformation to dynamic hybrid mesh systems, as well as its critical role in ensuring relative motion of components and computational stability, while also pointing out the enabling potential of machine learning in mesh quality control. Regarding unsteady flow field solutions, this paper discusses the coupling modes of aerodynamics, motion, and control, introduces the technical evolution from loose coupling to tightly coupled closed-loop solutions, and highlights that the tightly coupled method can significantly improve the simulation accuracy for high-dynamic flight states such as high angle of attack and post-stall. This paper elaborates on the application practices of this coupling method in three major scenarios: hypersonic multi-field coupling, morphing flight, and flexible bionics. NVF will advance toward effective, unified, and full-system multi-field coupling in the future thanks to artificial intelligence technologies, hastening the shift in aircraft development paradigms toward simulation-driven, digital-intelligent testing.