DESIGN SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS FOR ADS-33 QUICKNESS CRITERIA AND MANEUVER LOADS

This paper presents a framework for the computation of the sensitivities of the quickness handling qualities parameters measured according ADS-33. Sensitivities, or derivatives, can be used to simplify helicopter design and enhance helicopter performance. The sensitivities are calculated with respect to a fuselage parameter, a flight control system parameter and a set of rotor parameters that affect structural, inertia and aerodynamic rotor loads. A complex, state-of-the-art flight dynamic simulation model is used. Existing solution procedures are replaced with newer procedures that take advantage of advances made in numerical analysis in the last decade. To do this, significant part of the original code is rewritten in order to use the new solver. Results show that the investigation on the sensitivities of parameters related to quickness criteria is particularly challenging. However, the comprehensive analysis code developed for the present study is computationally efficient and able to predict the fundamental effects of the selected design parameters on handling qualities.