Modeling and Simulation in Support of Handling Quality Evaluation of AVX Joint-Multi-Role (JMR) Coaxial Compound Helicopter (CCH)

This paper describes the modeling and simulation developments made in support of the AVX Joint-Multi-Role (JMR) Coaxial Compound Helicopter (CCH) handling qualities evaluation. The real-time full flight simulation model for the AVX-JMR CCH was developed in FLIGHTLAB and incorporates AVX's fly-by-wire (FBW) control laws. Extensive piloted simulation tests were conducted that cover various mission task elements (MTEs), including those described in the ADS-33E-PRF (Ref. [1]). The MTE test courses were set-up with proper visual cues in accordance with ADS-33E specification. For each MTE test, the test pilots evaluated the performance with ADS-33E handling qualities ratings (HQR) for achievable levels of aggressiveness and control precision. At the same time, the piloted simulation test data were recorded for post-test analysis to demonstrate the evaluation accuracy through comparison with ADS-33E performance standards. In addition to the piloted simulator tests, quantitative analyses were also conducted to assess the AVX-JMR CCH against ADS-33E hover/low speed and forward flight requirements using the ADS-33E handling qualities analysis toolkit in FLIGHTLAB. The quantitative analyses evaluated small and moderate amplitude attitude changes and inter-axis coupling characteristics of the AVX-JMR CCH against the Level 1, 2, and 3 criteria of ADS-33E-PRF. Both the qualitative and quantitative results are presented in this paper to summarize the handling qualities evaluation of the full flight AVX-JMR CCH simulation model.