RAH-66 COMANCHE / T800 ENGINE INTEGRATION FEATURES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON VEHICLE HANDLING QUALITIES

The RAH-66 Comanche helicopter integrated with the LHTEC T800 engine system was designed to deliver the optimum integration between the engine control system and the flight dynamics of the aircraft throughout the entire flight envelope. This paper reviews the LHTEC T800 engine integration features developed by the Boeing Sikorsky First Team, and examines their effects on the total air vehicle handling qualities. Specifically, the design process and development of lateral and yaw control rate anticipation and Load Factor Enhancement (LFE) features as implemented for the RAH-66 Comanche are discussed. This paper describes the history behind the engine/airframe integration features and discusses the design from proof of concept through simulation development. Results from simulation pilot in the loop evaluations are presented. The benefits obtained, including increased targeting ability, reduced pilot work load, and enhanced capability during aggressive flight are reviewed and discussed in detail.