ACT Demonstrator/ Flying Helicopter Simulator: A New Demonstrator Test Bed for Flight Control and Cockpit Technologies

The concept for the new ACT Demonstrator/ Flying Helicopter Simulator (ACT-FHS) is presented. The ACT-FHS shall serve as a test and simulation tool to support the development of active control and cockpit technologies for future helicopter systems. The criteria for the selection of the baseline aircraft and the definition of the flight control system are derived from the spectrum of user requirements, covering in-flight simulation, system development, and technology demonstration. The ACT-FHS will be based on an EC 135 helicopter and will be equipped with a hierarchically structured flight control system, consisting of a highly reliable core system with Fly-by-Light technology, a variety of experimental equipment, and a mechanical back-up. Development of the ACT-FHS has started in 1995.