Results of Recent Investigations of V/STOL Control and Response Requirements Using Variable Stability Helicopters

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Results of Recent Investigations of V/STOL Control and Response Requirements Using Variable Stability Helicopters

D. G. Gould

Theoretical predictions, based on a pilot-aircraft system, of root-mean-square control response, root-mean-square heading response and minimum pilot gain were found to correlate well with pilot opinion assessments of the directional control and response requirements for flight of simulated V/STOL aircraft in turbulence. The comparisons were made for two visual flight tasks, a circuit including approach and landing, and precision hovering in a simulated wind, for four values of the weathercock stability parameter. Pilot assessments of the pitch, roll and yaw control sensitivity and control power requirements for manoeuvre in calm air for visual circuit and hover tasks were compared for two aircraft weighing 2,900 lb and 15,000 lb. The results did not agree with the predictions of the existing requirements for scaling control power with weight, indicating a trend opposite to that of the present recommendations. Preliminary results from this investigation, which include simulated turbulence, as well as results from previous experiments, suggest that scale effects are over-shadowed by the requirements to ensure satisfactory flight in turbulent conditions. The Report is one of the series 515-522 of papers presented at the 27th meeting of the AGARD Flight Mechanics Panel, held 11-12 October, 1965, in Rome, Italy. (Author)