Progress in the Development of Handling Qualities Critical Design Guidelines for an Autogyro

This paper presents progress in the development and validation of a simulation model of an autogyro. The vehicle model was created using FLIGHTLAB. Flight test data was used to validate and tune both the trimmed control positions and dynamic response characteristics. The match achieved for the trim data was very good. The comparison between model and flight test dynamic responses, whilst acceptable, was less favourable due to the flight test manoeuvres available for tuning. To assess the model further, a handling qualities assessment was performed in the HELIFLIGHT simulator at the University of Liverpool, replicating a flight test reported in the literature. The handling qualities analysis focussed on two manoeuvres; the slalom and the acceleration-deceleration. The Bedford Workload Rating scale and the Cooper-Harper Handling Qualities Rating scale were used to assess the performance of the simulation model and the real aircraft. The handling qualities ratings achieved for the model compared well with those awarded by the test pilot of the real aircraft. Roll quickness and pilot attack were also evaluated, however did not compare as well. Some discrepancies in test methodology were identified and their possible effects on the results of these calculations are discussed.