A piloted, fixed-base simulation study was conducted to investigate the handling qualities requirements for helicopter air-to-air combat using turreted guns in the near-terrain environment. The study used a version of the helicopter air combat system developed at NASA Ames Research Center for one-on-one air combat. The study focused on the potential trade-off between gun angular movement capability and required yaw axis response. Experimental variables included yaw axis response frequency and damping and the size of the gun-movement envelope. A helmet position and sighting system was used for pilot control of gun aim. Approximately 340 simulated air combat engagements were evaluated by pilots from the Army and industry. Results from the experiment indicate that a highly-damped, high frequency yaw response was desired for Level I handling qualities. Pilot preference for those characteristics became more pronounced as gun turret movement was restricted; however, a stable, slow-reacting platform could be used with a large turret envelope. Most pilots preferred to engage with the opponent near the own-ship centerline. Turret elevation restriction affected the engagement more than azimuth restrictions.
A piloted simulation investigation of yaw dynamics requirements for turreted gun use in low-level helicopter air combat
Annual Forum of the AHS ; 1988 ; Washington, DC, United States
1988-01-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
ROLFE KRAKE: EUROPE'S FIRST TuRRETED IRONCLAD
Online Contents | 1998
|The remotely piloted helicopter
Emerald Group Publishing | 1977
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