Piloted Simulation Evaluation of Maneuver Optimization Control for a Coaxial Compound Helicopter

Joseph F. Horn, Ryan J. Perry, Derek O. Bridges, Nicholas A. Kuhn, D. Grey Hagwood, Tom Berger, Anthony Gong

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Adaptive Digital Automated Pilotage Technology (ADAPTTM) flight control software package aims to take advantage of redundant controls to improve safety, survivability, and performance for advanced rotorcraft. Vehicle Maneuver Optimization (VMO) is one component of the ADAPTTM architecture. VMO uses feedforward control to increase aircraft maneuverability. The VMO algorithm takes advantage of the control null space of over-actuated aircraft to optimize their quasi-steady trim. In this study, the system is applied to a coaxial compound helicopter and evaluated in piloted simulations at the NASA Ames Vertical Motion Simulator and at the Penn State Rotorcraft Simulator. Handling Qualities Ratings indicated that VMO enhanced handling qualities in aggressive MTEs involving turns, as seen in a Break Turn MTE and a customized Maximum Performance Turn MTE. Simulation results also showed that VMO achieved significant power reductions in these maneuvers. VMO was found to degrade handling qualities for some other MTEs, notably in some of the precision tracking MTEs and the High Speed Accel/Decel MTE. While VMO is not intended for use in precision tracking tasks, some improvements are warranted so that VMO can be used to maximize performance in accelerations without degradation in handling qualities. The benefits of VMO in turn maneuvers, both in terms of performance and handling qualities, are achievable in conjunction with both the inner- and outer-loop control laws of the coaxial compound helicopter.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationFORUM 2023 - Vertical Flight Society 79th Annual Forum and Technology Display
PublisherVertical Flight Society
ISBN (Electronic)9781713874799
StatePublished - 2023
Event79th Vertical Flight Society Annual Forum and Technology Display, FORUM 2023 - West Palm Beach, United States
Duration: May 16 2023May 18 2023

Publication series

NameFORUM 2023 - Vertical Flight Society 79th Annual Forum and Technology Display

Conference

Conference79th Vertical Flight Society Annual Forum and Technology Display, FORUM 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWest Palm Beach
Period5/16/235/18/23

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering

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