Node A6 · Acronym decoder
HIL
Hardware-in-the-Loop
What it actually means
A test configuration where real hardware — a flight computer, a controller — runs against a real-time simulation of the plant and environment it will control. It buys most of the realism of system test at a fraction of the cost and risk, and it's where integration problems between software and hardware surface first.
Where you'll meet it
Integration labs, guidance and control development, and pre-flight verification campaigns.