Improving a real-time helicopter simulator model with linear input filters

Abstract

For a broad range of applications, flight mechanics simulator models have to accurately predict the aircraft dynamics. However, the development and improvement of such models is a difficult and time consuming process. This is especially true for helicopters. In this paper, two rapidly applicable and implementable methods to derive linear input filters that improve the simulator model are presented. The first method is based on model inversion, the second on feedback control. Both methods are evaluated in the time domain, compared to recorded helicopter flight test data, and assessed based on root mean square errors and the Qualification Test Guide bounds. The best results were achieved when using the first method.