Helicopter Simulation Technology-An Ames Research Center Perspective

Helicopter handling qualities have been the subject of many simulator programs at Ames Research Center over the past decade. The earlier experiences, in fixed-cockpit simulators, demonstrated the basic difficulties of simulating the inherently complex control tasks of helicopter flight to the level of subjective fidelity required for confident evaluation. It became recognized that deprivations in visual and motion cueing were probably major factors in the problem. More recent simulations have utilized large-amplitude cockpit motion systems, and efforts have been made to optimize the effectiveness of the visual simulat1ons. This paper revi ews the total experience for evidence regarding the levels of motion- and visual-cueing fidelity required for handling-qualities r esearch in ground-based simulators. Positive contributions of cockpit motion were identified, but much remains to be learned regarding the sensitivities of individual control modes to cueing attenuation. A firmer understanding of the pilot's utilization of visual and motion cues is the key to more efficient use of simulation in helicopter control-systems research.