Side-Stick Force-Feel Parametric Study Of A Cargo-Class Helicopter

Unique trim side-sticks, and active side sticks with reprogrammable force-feel, are starting to emerge on new fleet aircraft. These new inceptor configurations provide additional capabilities to the helicopter design and handling qualities communities. In order to build industry consensus on the effective use of these, and other evolving technologies, NRTC/CRI has funded a technical area of joint interest (TAJI) research program focused on filling gaps in handling quality requirements for new vehicles and technologies. ADS-33E, for example, reserves space for side-stick requirements but does not prescribe a particular requirement due to a lack of data. This paper presents the pilot evaluation results of the NRTC/CRI-funded sidestick force feel evaluation tests. The testing took place in the Sikorsky Motion Base simulator in the months of March and April, 2010. The test participants consisted of 4 primary pilots, two from Sikorsky, one from the U.S. Army and one from the Marines. The goal of the study was to investigate the impact of side-stick force feel characteristics on handling qualities. The results of this testing adds to the pre-existing literature on the subject and can be used towards updating handling qualities specifications.