Development of Automatic Controllers and Piloting Aid Functions for Enhancement of UAV/OPV Autorotation Management

An automated approach for autorotation management is proposed for unmanned or optionally piloted rotary wing air vehicles. The intent of this approach is to take into account all aspects of the traditional helicopter autorotation maneuver, from the initial system failure, through autorotation entry, stabilized descent, guidance and control, to the final flare and landing. Wind conditions as well as landing zone constraints (e.g. final heading) are considered in this approach. The overall goal is to develop a modeling and simulation framework where different aspects of the problem can be tested and validated towards qualification for use on board an aircraft. A secondary aim is to determine what aspects of the automated control for unmanned vehicles can be applied as aids (cues, guidance) or automated functions to optionally piloted vehicles. This modular simulation framework has been developed and various individual, purpose-built control or guidance algorithms can be independently tested and validated.