The results of this research indicate that continuous,
variable rotor speed control is a viable solution to
increased helicopter maneuverability and agility. Of the
rotor speed control laws investigated, the RCDR and T (RC)
types seem the most promising. In particular, these control
laws demonstrated a 31% improvement in time-to-turn 180
degrees, a 38% improvement in turn penetration distance, a
42% improvement in turn cross track distance, and a pointing
margin advantage of nearly 94 degrees. In addition, the
rotor speed control law parameters could be optimized such
that the helicopter exited a maximum performance decelerating
turn at or above its power bucket speed, affording the
helicopter a distinct maneuvering advantage. It was also
shown that different rotor speed control laws would most
likely be required for the air combat and ground attack
mission scenarios.
The author feels that successful variable rotor speed
control can be achieved through an appropriate marriage of
FADEC engine control and high performance flight control
systems. But numerous questions remain relative to the
successful integration of this technology to existing and/or
future helicopter designs, (addressed in the Recommendations
for Future Research section). Nevertheless, this technology
shows considerable promise and it is hoped that this study
will be a stepping stone to future investigations in this
area. / Master of Engineering
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/41816 |
| Date | 30 March 2010 |
| Creators | Schaefer, Carl George |
| Contributors | Systems Engineering, Lutse, Fred H. Jr., Blanchard, Benjamin S. Jr., Trani, Antonio A., Deisenroth, Michael P. |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Master's project |
| Format | BTD, application/pdf |
| Relation | LD5655.V851_1990.S352.pdf |
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