A methodology to implement agility as a tradeoff parameter into multi-disciplinary optimization of a helicopter rotor is proposed. Being a qualitative evaluation measure and having no clear definition, agility is tried to be quantified through utilization of "ease", "speed" and "precision" metrics. The developed methodology utilizes a non-linear model predictive control approach to generate trajectory and control input history specifically to track the agile maneuver of interest. Deviation from reference path, state and input history and quickness are managed to determine integrated agility score. Then effect of rotor primary design parameters on agility characteristics is studied. A sensitivity analysis is performed to identify driving parameters and agility simulations are performed for four different maneuvers that are commonly used in nap-of-earth flights/missions. Slalom course, acceleration & deceleration, hurdle-hop and teardrop turn maneuvers analogous with ADS 33 Mission Task Elements are selected as the agile maneuvers to be considered and response surface analyses are performed to study the tradeoff between primary design parameters.
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