Flight test results of helicopter approaches with trajectory guidance based on in-flight acquired LiDAR data

Abstract

This paper presents flight test results for online calculated approach trajectories using DLR’s manned research helicopter. This highly modified EC135 is equipped with a commercial forward-looking Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor with a range of 1 km. During an approach to an unmapped landing site, geo-referenced LIDAR samples are acquired and combined with a priori information. The resulting representation of the environment is used for the generation of trajectories which are collision free, technically feasible and acceptable for pilots. Once new samples are collected by the LIDAR sensor, the environment map is updated in real time and the trajectory is changed based on typical approach procedures if necessary. Due to experimental aspects, a manual trajectory following was used by providing the pilot with a “Tunnel-In-The-Sky” head down display including visual cues for spatial and speed guidance during the approach.