Helicopter Short Line Underslung Payload Transportation: Exploration of Magneto-Rheological Actuators for payload motion control

This study investigates the magneto-rheological actuator's application into the helicopter slung load operations. The intent is to determine if magneto-rheological actuators (MRA) could enables a new approach to external payload stabilization. A particular solution presented as the Slung Load Stabilisation System (SLSS) is detailed for short line operation. The concept takes shape in a prototype with four MRAs pulling on the four ends of a helicopter landing gear. A prototype is built to tests various conditions and controllers and to be the baseline for further numerical modeling. Numerical trials reveal the SLSS has limited control authority on pendulum motion but gives an appreciable amount of control on the payload azimuth. Lastly, the SLSS prototype is fitted under a conditions Bell-206 helicopter at the National Research Council of Canada to observe its functionality in real-world constraints.