VARIABLE STABILITY AIRBORNE SIMULATION: APPLICATIONS IN FLIGHT TESTING

摘要

The Flight Research Laboratory of the National Research Council of Canada operates two variable stability research rotorcraft: a Bell 205A Airborne Simulator and a Bell 412HP Advanced Systems Research Aircraft. These aircraft allow full-authority airborne simulation of a target flight vehicle over the full envelope of the host rotorcraft. Applications for these facilities range along a spectrum from pure research in handling qualities and flight controls, to developmental systems testing, to flight test simulation or rehearsal, to training for test pilots and flight test engineers from the various test pilot schools. This paper introduces the philosophy behind the FRL's two operational fly-by-wire research helicopters, including safety piloting techniques and automated safety systems. The paper describes a selection of the research and test crew instructional activities performed using the NRC's FBW helicopters, with a focus on projects flight tested within the last five years, including advanced controller designs, handling qualities research, helmet mounted display systems and test crew instruction.