Attaining Optimal Autorotative Profiles Using Active Inceptor Cueing

As modern helicopters get heavier and their rotors get lighter, the odds of a successful outcome from an engine failure diminish. Previous research has demonstrated that for every point on the height velocity aircraft envelope there exists an optimal autorotative profile. While the optimal profile does not guarantee a successful landing, it does increase the chances of one. New England Analytics believes that through the use of active control inceptors, the aircraft can be flown to the optimal profile. The active inceptors will provide cues to the pilot indicating the required control inputs to achieve the optimal profile. To determine the optimal cues, NEA will conduct a survey of available tactile cues and assess those cues as to their functionality in assisting the pilot attain the optimum profile. The survey will look at tactile cues for use on both the collective and pitch cyclic. Additionally, NEA will examine the various inceptor configurations so as to ensure that the cues determined as optimal are effective across the various configurations. Finally, NEA will develop a conceptual tactile cueing design for the CH-53K.