Advanced Flight Control System for Nap-of-the-Earth Flight

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Advanced Flight Control System for Nap-of-the-Earth Flight

S. I. Glusman / C. Dabundo / K. H. Landis

A digital/optical flight control system was implemented on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to determine flight control system requirements for Nap-of-the-Earth (NOE) flight. Small-displacement side stick controllers with unique force trim positions were an integral part of the control system design. Controller configurations could be readily altered from a fully integrated 4-axis side stick controller to separated controller and configurations including (3+1) collective and (2+1+1). Control laws were implemented with a model following architecture that facilitates variation of control response characteristics. The Automatic Flight Control System was designed to provide level 1 handling qualities and the Primary Flight Control System was implemented to achieve level 2 handling qualities. The interrelational effects of controller configuration and piloting task on handling qualities was investigated. Handling qualities were evaluated using precision hover and low speed tasks typical of NOE flights as well as tasks performed at airspeeds from 80 to 120 knots. Piloted results are presented with recommendations for future systems.