Evaluation of a Rotorcraft Autorotation Training Display on a Commercial Flight Training Device

摘要

This paper outlines the application of a real-time trajectory optimization method for rotorcraft autorotation training. Rotorcraft autorotation is a time-critical maneuver that allows very little margin for error in the timing and magnitude of the pilot's control inputs. Results of preliminary evaluations strongly indicate that successful autorotations may be performed from well within the unsafe operating area of the height-velocity profile of a helicopter by employing a fast and robust optimal algorithm that provides guidance on control inputs through an intuitive pilot display. The commanded control inputs generated by the optimal control formulation are collective and aircraft pitch, which are easily tracked by a pilot or can be converted to control actuator commands for automated operation during autorotation. The formulation of the optimal control problem was carefully tailored to emulate solutions resembling those of an expert pilot, accounting for the performance limitations of the rotorcraft, as well as safety concerns.