Handling Quality Improvements of Fly-By-Wire Helicopter using Combined Model Following Controller with Decoupler

Abstract

The combined model following control (MFC)-decoupler system is employed for a full authority fly-by-wire utility helicopter to enhance handling qualities. The MFC, which governs the vehicle to follow the prescribed model, is widely employed for modern helicopters. However, it may not be sufficient as helicopters often suffer significant cross coupling. The coupled responses between control axes of a helicopter increase the pilot's work load and may degrade handling qualities. As the decoupler is introduced to the MFC, the combined MFC-decoupler effectively solves the coupling problems and enhances handling qualities. The proposed system is verified via the handling qualities prediction using the mathematical dynamics model. The analysis results are confirmed through the piloted simulation.