Helicopter Flight Dynamics, 2e

The behavior of helicopters is so complex that understanding the physical mechanisms at work in trim, stability, and response, and thus the prediction of flying qualities, requires a framework of analytical and numerical modeling and simulation. Good flying qualities are vital for ensuring that mission performance is achievable with safety, and in the first edition of Helicopter Flight Dynamics, a comprehensive treatment of design criteria was presented. In this second edition, the author adds a new chapter on degraded flying qualities, drawing examples from flight in poor visibility, failure of control functions, and encounters with severe atmospheric disturbances. Fully embracing the consequences of degraded flying qualities during the design phase will contribute positively to safety.

The accurate prediction and assessment of flying qualities draws on modeling and simulation discipline on the one hand and testing methodologies on the other. Checking predictions in flight requires clearly defined mission-task-elements, derived from missions with realistic performance requirements. High-fidelity simulations also form the basis for the design of stability and control augmentation systems, essential for conferring level one flying qualities. The book’s integrated description of flight dynamic modeling, simulation, and flying qualities will be of interest to engineers in research laboratories and manufacturing industry, test pilots, and flight test engineers, and make it a useful reference for graduate and postgraduate students in aerospace engineering.

Copublished with Blackwell Science Ltd. Outside the United States and Canada, order from Blackwell Science Ltd., United Kingdom, tel 44 1865 206 206.