Piloted Simulation Evaluation of Maneuver Optimization Control for a Tiltrotor Aircraft

The Adaptive Digital Automated Pilotage Technology (ADAPT^TM) 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 ADAPT^TM architecture intended to increase maneuverability. VMO uses feedforward actuation within the control null space of over-actuated aircraft to minimize power required during quasi-steady maneuvers. In this study, the system is applied to a generic tiltrotor aircraft and evaluated in piloted simulations at the Penn State Rotorcraft Simulator. In this application, VMO uses flap deployment and nacelle tilt to reduce power required in turn maneuvers. Piloted simulation results show that the system effectively reduces power required during Break Turn and Maximum Performance Turn Mission Task Elements (MTE), while handling qualities are equivalent to the baseline controller without VMO. The system was also tested for a terrain flight mission scenario. Pilot comments indicated better handling with VMO in the aggressive maneuvering phases of the flight.