Flying qualities

Abstract: This text provides, for both students and practicing helicopter aerodynamicists, the information necessary to analyze the performance of an existing helicopter or to participate in the design of a new helicopter. The information includes the derivation of the theory behind the various methods of analysis, appropriate experimental data to correlate and supplement the theory, and charts that permit rapid analysis. A special attempt is made to relate helicopter aerodynamics to airplane aerodynamics for those making the transition. The first six chapters give various aspects of helicopter performance. Chapters 7, 8 and 9 cover stability and control. The last chapter presents the tradeoff considerations that the engineer must face during the preliminary design phase to ensure both good performance and good flying qualities.

Abstract: 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 complements this with 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.

Abstract: : The document is published in support of Military Specification MIL-F-8785B, 'Flying Qualities of Piloted Airplanes.' It was compiled after an extensive literature review and many meetings and discussions with personnel from essentially all concerned civilian and governmental organizations. The primary purpose is to explain the concept and philosophy underlying MIL-F-8785B and to present some of the data and arguments upon which the requirements were based. A secondary purpose is to present what are believed to be the important governing variables in the field of flying qualities and to define their significance and relationship to each other. The significance of such mission- oriented factors as airplane class, flight phase, flight condition, loading and configuration is discussed, as is the treatment of failure states. The document should also, to a degree, serve as a summary of the state of the flying qualities art as determined from operational experience, flight test, experiment, analysis and theory.

Abstract: : This specification contains the requirements for the flying and ground handling qualities of rotorcraft It is intended that the specification should cover land based rotorcraft which have primary missions ranging from scout and attack to utility and cargo Additional requirements or modified standards may be required for rotorcraft that have to operate from small ships in sea states resulting in more than small ship motion Intended use is described in 61 The requirements of this specification are intended to assure that no limitations on flight safety or on the capability to perform intended missions will result from deficiencies in flying qualities Flying qualities for the rotorcraft shall be in accordance with the provisions of this specification unless specific deviations are authorized by the Government Additional or alternate special requirements may be specified by the procuring activity For example, if the form of a requirement should not fit a particular vehicle configuration or control mechanization, the Government may, at its discretion, agree to a modified requirement that will maintain an equivalent degree of acceptability