HANDLING QUALITIES ASPECTS OF THE BELL MODEL 222 DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The subject of this paper is the impact that handling qualities considerations have had on the design and development of Bell Helicopter Textron’s Model 222 Light Twin Helicopter. The main handling qualities criteria, both FAA-required and company-established, are discussed. Developmental flight test handling qualities problems and their solutions are described. A description is presented of the production configuration, and the static and dynamic stability characteristics provided by this configuration. Additional features are discussed, including increased survivability after a tail rotor loss, water-borne stability, and an optional Automatic Flight Control System.