A design and aeromechanics investigation was conducted for a 100,000-lb compound helicopter with a single main rotor, which is to cruise at 250 knots at 4000 ft/95 deg F condition. Performance, stability, and control analyses were conducted with the comprehensive rotorcraft analysis CAMRAD II. Wind tunnel test measurements of the performance of the H-34 and UH-1D rotors at high advance ratio we...

A Huey Cobra helicopter was just finishing up a nighttime practice run. The pilot was working on his low hover maneuvers at the air base when he tipped his tail rotor sharply backward, snapping off his tail boom. Without the tail —which keeps a helicopter from spinning around in circles— the helicopter took off like a pinwheel, sliding down the runway doing 360’s in a brilliant shower of sparks...

Most research on fuzzy regulators has focused on integrating rules in intelligent control systems. In this paper a fuzzy helicopter regulator for a single-rotor helicopter PZL Kania is considered. Unlike other methods that match only the ability of stable flying, our methods match hovering conditions with disturbances. Two simulations were performed to validate our method. In the first simulati...

This paper approaches detection and tracking of an aero-modelling helicopter with a laser range-finder. The sensing device can complement vision for aerial vehicle control in operations such as landing or taking off from the ground. To this end, a conventional 2D laser scanner has been adapted for 3D operation by means of a motorized base. First experimental results are presented for a small-sc...

This paper is concerned with the statistical model development issues, necessary for rapid estimation of the rotor sizing for single main rotor helicopters at the preliminary design stage. However, Central Composite Design (CCD) method, simulation-based data collection, linear regression analysis, mathematical modelsdevelopmentand validations through the analysis of variance (ANOVA) were perfor...

The compatibility between a composite beam cross-sectional analysis based on the variational asymptotic approach, and a helicopter rotor blade model which is part of a comprehensive rotorcraft analysis code is examined. It was found that the finite element cross-sectional analysis code VABS can be combined with a moderate deflection rotor blade model in spite of the differences between the form...

This paper describes the development of H∞ controllers for two helicopter models. The study was first carried out using rigid body state feedback only and was then extended to include the rotor flap and lag states. It was observed that the H∞ controllers gave better robustness and performance than the baseline controllers. Moreover, using rotor state feedback, it was possible to design high ban...

This paper presents a control system design method for an autonomous helicopter using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method. In this paper, the nonlinear dynamic model of a miniature helicopter is directly used to design a control system without linearization process. The nonlinear dynamics of model helicopter is represented by sixteen state variables including flapping dynamics, engine ...

Helicopter flight control law design including rotor state feedback (RSF) is considered. A mathematical model suitable for analysis and design of RSF control systems is obtained and a structured Hinfinity approach to the problem is proposed, capable of guaranteeing stability and performance robustness. The framework also encompasses fault tolerance with respect to failures of the rotor state se...

This paper describes the development of H∞ controllers for two helicopter models. The study was first carried out using rigid body state feedback only and was then extended to include the rotor flap and lag states. It was observed that the H∞ controllers gave better robustness and performance than the baseline controllers. Moreover, using rotor state feedback, it was possible to design high ban...