Effects of Side-Stick Controllers on Rotorcraft Handling Qualities for Terrain Flight

Abstract

Pertinent fixed-and rotary-wing feasibility studies and handling- qualities research programs are reviewed and the effects of certain controller characteristics on handling qualities for specific rotorcraft flight tasks are summarized. In particular, the effects of the controller force-deflection relationship and the number of controlled axes that are integrated in a single controller are examined. Simulation studies conducted as part of the Army's Advanced Digital/Optical Control Systems (ADOCS) program and flight research programs performed by the National Aeronautical Establishment of Canada provide a significant part of the available handling qualities data. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of using a single, properly designed, limited- displacement, multi-axis controller for certain relatively routine flight tasks in a two-crew rotorcraft with nominal levels of stability and control augmentation with a high degree of reliability are incorporated, separated three- or two-axis controller configurations are required for acceptable handling qualities. Originator-supplied keywords: Flying qualities, Flight control systems, Side-stick controllers, Helicopter.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA155061

Entities

People

  • Edwin W. Aiken

Organizations

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • California
  • Control Systems
  • Design Criteria
  • Directional
  • Engineering
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Flight Control Systems
  • Helicopters
  • Military Aircraft
  • Reliability
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Simulations
  • Simulators
  • Tactical Aircraft
  • United States

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Robotics and Automation.