MD900 Handling Qualities Empennage Configuration Development

The MD900 is a 6000 lb class, twin-engine helicopter equipped with a five–bladed, bearingless main rotor, an H–tail, and a NOTAR(R) anti-torque/directional control system. This paper discusses the development and optimization of the MD900 empennage configuration conducted prior to FAA certification which included the effective use of aircraft flight test data, frequency and time domain analyses, and flight simulation mathematical model to achieve desired handling qualities characteristics. Handling qualities flight test results of the FAA-certified MD900 helicopter and model predictions of the MD900 handling qualities and tailboom dynamic loads are also presented.