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Effects of simulator motion and visual characteristics on rotorcraft handling qualities evaluationsThe pilot's perceptions of aircraft handling qualities are influenced by a combination of the aircraft dynamics, the task, and the environment under which the evaluation is performed. When the evaluation is performed in a groundbased simulator, the characteristics of the simulation facility also come into play. Two studies were conducted on NASA Ames Research Center's Vertical Motion Simulator to determine the effects of simulator characteristics on perceived handling qualities. Most evaluations were conducted with a baseline set of rotorcraft dynamics, using a simple transfer-function model of an uncoupled helicopter, under different conditions of visual time delays and motion command washout filters. Differences in pilot opinion were found as the visual and motion parameters were changed, reflecting a change in the pilots' perceptions of handling qualities, rather than changes in the aircraft model itself. The results indicate a need for tailoring the motion washout dynamics to suit the task. Visual-delay data are inconclusive but suggest that it may be better to allow some time delay in the visual path to minimize the mismatch between visual and motion, rather than eliminate the visual delay entirely through lead compensation.
Document ID
19940008844
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mitchell, David G.
(Systems Technology, Inc. Hawthorne, CA, United States)
Hart, Daniel C.
(Army Aviation Systems Command Moffett Field, CA., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Ames Research Center, Piloting Vertical Flight Aircraft: A Conference on Flying Qualities and Human Factors
Subject Category
Aircraft Stability And Control
Accession Number
94N13317
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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