Helicopter Maneuverability and Agility Design Sensitivity and Air Combat ManeuverData Correlation Study

摘要

A helicopter maneuverability and agility (M/A) study has been conducted todetermine the characteristics of eight different helicopters. This study included a simulation evaluation, analysis of data from the U.S. Army's Air-to-Air Combat Tests (AACT) and a correlation of the two. The results validated previously developed M/A design guidelines and design parameter sensitivities. The helicopters evaluated were the UH-60A, S-76A, AH-64A, AH-1S, OH-58A and SA-365N-1. The CH-53E and Soviet Mi-28 (unclassified) were also analyzed although no AACT data were available for them. The M/A characteristics of these vehicles were assessed by flying detailed, blade element General Helicopter Flight Dynamics Simulation (GenHel) computer models through a series of nine discrete maneuvers. Selected flight test data from AACT II, III and IV were analyzed using a workstation to replay the data and generate synthetic out-of-cockpit views. A method for scoring the simulated maneuvers and the AACT engagements was devised. M/A ratings for all of the subject aircraft were determined using the simulated maneuver scores. Correlation of the M/A ratings to the AACT scores was very good with the winning air combat aircraft having the highest M/A rating in four of the five engagement pairs analyzed. This study also produced a unique database employing a common simulation technology and evaluation methodology for all of the subject helicopters.