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Validation of a rotorcraft mathematical model in autorotation by use of gyroplane flight tests

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

V. M. Spathopoulos
V. M. Spathopoulos*
Affiliation:
Athens, Greece
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Abstract

Aircraft handling qualities in autorotation are critical in determining the level of safety of rotorcraft. For helicopters suffering from an engine failure, transcending from powered to autorotative flight occurs rapidly and requires immediate and accurate pilot reaction. Although it is important for the handling qualities in this flight state to be predicted correctly, obvious difficulties will exist in using flight tests as a means of validation when autorotation constitutes an abnormal mode of operation. In the research work presented in this paper an alternative approach is applied, of configuring a generic rotorcraft model as a gyroplane, a type of vehicle for which its main rotor is constantly in autorotation. Flight tests are used for the validation purposes both for steady state and dynamic response cases. Results are produced to complement those already existing for a dissimilar gyroplane type thus increasing the level of confidence obtained. It is concluded that important handling qualities indicators such as the steady state trends are correctly predicted although limitations are imposed due to rotor speed discrepancy.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 108 , Issue 1079 , January 2004 , pp. 51 - 58
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2004 

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