Simulator Investigation of Side‐Stick Controller/Stability and Control Augmentation Systems for Helicopter Visual Flight

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Abstract
A piloted simulator experiment was conducted to assess the effects of side‐stick controller characteristics and level of stability and control augmentation on handling qualities for several low‐altitude control tasks. Visual flight tasks were simulated using four‐window computer‐generated imagery depicting either a nap‐of‐the‐earth course or a runway with obstacles positioned to provide a slalom course. Both low speed and forward flight control laws were implemented, and a method for automatically switching control modes was developed. Variations in force‐deflection characteristics and the number of axes controlled through an integrated side‐stick were investigated. With high levels of stability and control augmentation, a four‐axis controller with small deflection in all four axes arhieved satisfactory handling qualities for low‐speed tasks. However, the four‐axis configuration yielded degraded handling qualities compared to separated controllers for multi‐axis control tasks and when reduced levels of stability and control augmentation were provided.

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