In this paper we develop a simulation setup for testing and analyzing cooperative maneuvers and corresponding control algorithms. We also find feasible initial sets using backwards reachable set computations for the cooperative control problem, which we then test using the simulation setup. The particular example considered is a cooperative rendezvous between a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle and a unmanned ground vehicle. The open-source software FlightGear and JSBSim are used for the vehicle dynamics, enabling testing of algorithms in a realistic environment. The aircraft models include nonlinear, state-dependent dynamics, making it possible to capture complex behaviors like stall and spin. Moreover, environmental effects such as wind gusts and turbulence are directly integrated into the simulations. From the simulations we get a comprehensive understanding of the controller performance and feasibility when tested in a real-time scenario. Results from several landing simulations are presented, and demonstrate that the MPC solution for the cooperative rendezvous problem is a promising method also for use in complex, safety-critical systems.