This investigation was carried out to highlight deficiencies of helicopters handling qualities when performing low speed instrument approaches. Steep decelerating MLS (Microwave Landing System) approaches to a decision height of 50 feet, simultaneously decelerating to 20 knots, were performed in an airborne simulator--a variable-stability Bell 205A helicopter. Tracking performance, interms of height, azimuth and speed errors was of an acceptable standard, but pilot workload was extremely high, especially during the overshoot phase. Benefits of different levels of control system augmentation were not readily apparent in this high workload environment. In view of the results of this investigation, a follow-on program is proposed where further attempts will be made to determine the effects of display and control sophistication on pilot workload during slow-speed helicopter instrument procedures.
Preliminary Investigation of Handling Qualities Requirements for Helicopter Instrument Flight during Decelerating Approach Manoeuvers and Overshoot (Etude Preliminaire sur le Plan des Characteristiques Essentielles de la Maniabilite des Helicopteres pour les Approches Decelerees et pour le Depassement)
1985
35 pages
Report
No indication
English
Aeronautics , Human Factors Engineering , Approach , Instrument flight , Deceleration , Flight testing , Helicopters , High rate , Workload , Microwave landing systems , Augmentation , Control systems , Decision making , Height , Handling , Quality , Pilots , Deficiencies , Flight simulators , Airborne , Instrumentation , Low velocity , Errors , Velocity , Foreign technology , Translations