FIRST STEPS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HANDLING QUALITIES CRITERIA FOR A CIVIL TILTROTOR

This paper describes an approach to the development of Handling Qualities criteria for a civil tiltrotor. The work presented is the outcome of a combined effort of European research organizations and helicopter industries, working together in an European Commission sponsored critical technology program - RHILP (Rotorcraft Handling, Interactions and Loads Prediction). The RHILP approach to Handling Qualities has developed from the systems methodology in ADS-33. An important exercise has involved assembling a consistent set of Handling Qualities criteria appropriate to flight in rotorcraft, conversion and fixed-wing aircraft modes. Within this process a compatibility analysis has revealed inconsistencies and, more critically, gaps in the available data, particularly relating to flight in conversion mode. The paper outlines the approach taken and presents results from a series of piloted simulation trials carried out to provide supporting data which can be used to fill the gaps. The results presented are considered to be unique since there are no open publications available to date on tiltrotor aircraft Handling Qualities criteria.