DETERMINATION OF CONTROL LAWS FOR A SINGLE PILOT, ATTACK HELICOPTER

A piloted simulation recently conducted at the Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (BHTI) flight simulation facility defined the flight controls laws for the AH-4BW. This four bladed, single pilot, attack helicopter will enter flight testing in mid 1988. This paper describes the control system and control law evolution and the role played by simulation in their development. A discussion of the computer simulation programs and their use during the development of the AH-4BW control laws is presented. The SCAS (Stability and Control Augmentation System) evaluation process used is also discussed. Flight test data from a demonstration four-bladed helicopter that was used to help define the goals for aircraft response are shown. Comparisons between simulation results and current and proposed handling qualities specifications are made. The proposed handling qualities specifications are found in ADS-33 (Reference 1).