Another critical component to the necessity of the simulations could be an FAA requirement. I would think the the FAA would require a full simulation run of proposed flight operations for the prototype in various scenarios. Since it is a one of a kind airship, with no previous comparative flight data, the FAA may be requiring the simulations before approvals are given.
And since the prototype is to be remotely flown, the ground based pilot will most likely have to show proficiency in piloting the prototype in both nominal and adverse scenarios before the FAA would give pilot certification. The FAA would also be very interested in the fail over from computer controlled station keeping to remotely piloted airship in various scenarios.
As support for my thinking, all military UAV's in use are at this time flown by seasoned pilots who have spent many hours in UAV flight simulators. This is especially signifigant since Globalhawk UAV's were recently given certification to fly in National Airspace which is exactly the eventual goal of the Stratellites.
So in summary, I believe the need for the simulations are two-fold. First would of course be for design and flight data. The second could be for FAA certification and pilot certification before obtaining FAA approvals. Just my opinion of course.
