Evaluation of Novel Concepts for Takeover Control Using Electronically Coupled Sidesticks

Abstract

The state of the of art in flight control systems geared toward dual-pilot helicopters is the use of active inceptor systems to replace the traditional mechanical linkage between pilot and copilot inceptors. This work investigates the introduction of priority functions, which act to actively decouple inceptors in one control station. This approach has the potential to assist pilots to take over control in low-level flight and aid to mitigate loss-of-control accidents that occur in such conditions. Takeover control maneuvers are tested in a dual-pilot helicopter simulation environment to evaluate two inceptor decoupling methods, namely a priority pushbutton (manual) and a priority force threshold (automatic). Results indicate that the takeover maneuvers were successfully performed in low-level flight without over control (inaccurate control inputs) when using both priority functions. The priority functions led to a workload reduction when compared to a benchmark configuration without inceptor decoupling. Positive ratings in usefulness and satisfaction scales indicate pilot acceptance of the priority functions tested.