Development of a Computational Model of Pilot Manual Control and its Application on Mission-Task-Element Evaluation of a Limited Authority Helicopter

Being able to represent pilot control behavior computationally would give insights in the early phases of aircraft design, and would reduce the risks and costs of flight-tests. This work introduces a novel mathematical model of pilot control behavior that takes into account the majority of psychophysical limitations of an actual human operator. The Model-Based Pilot Controller (MBPC) developed herein utilizes optimal estimation and modern control theory. It can operate wide range of linear or non-linear vehicle dynamics, acting as a manual pilot controller. The MBPC, in this work, is applied to assess handling qualities of a limited authority helicopter by augmenting it to a non-linear model of the helicopter. The Mission-Task-Elements (MTEs), defined by the Aeronautical Design Standard (ADS)-33E-PRF, are referred as a benchmark for qualitative handling quality evaluation of a rotorcraft. A set of MTE maneuvers is flown, in simulation environment. The developed MBPC model is proven successful as it forecasts the rotorcrafts ability to execute the specified maneuvers. The MBPC is evaluated based on a test pilot's control responses to see if the psychophysical limitations are represented in the model.