A simulator experiment evaluated the effects of side-stick-controller characteristics and level of stability and control augmentation on handling qualities for several helicopter, low-altitude flight tasks conducted at night or in adverse weather. These reduced visibility tasks were simulated by providing the pilot with a visually coupled, helmet-mounted display of flight-control symbols superimposed upon terrain-board imagery. Forward-flight, low-speed, and precision-hover control modes were implemented, and a method for blending of control laws between each control mode was developed. Variations in the level of integration of primary control functions on a single side-stick controller were investigated. For most of the flight tasks investigated, separated controller configurations were preferred to a single, fully integrated sidestick device. Satisfactory handling qualities over all controller configurations were achieved only for a precision-hover task conducted with a high level of stability and control augmentation. Significant degradation in handling qualities occurred for most tasks flown with the helmet-mounted display relative to identical tasks flown under visual flight conditions.


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    Title :

    Investigation of Side-Stick Controller/Stability and Control Augmentation System Requirements for Helicopter Terrain Flight under Reduced Visibility Conditions


    Contributors:
    E. W. Aiken (author) / K. B. Hilbert (author) / K. H. Landis (author) / S. I. Glusman (author)

    Publication date :

    1983


    Size :

    22 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English