Development and Testing of Scalable Mission Task Elements for Certifcation of eVTOL Aircraft

Abstract

New methods are currently being investigated to perform certification of future electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Due to the expected mission requirements, classical certification methods do not lend themselves to this type of vehicle. One aspect that is being investigated is a new approach to evaluate handling qualities (HQs) as means of compliance demonstration. The EUROCAE Working Group 112 has proposed new Flight Test Manoeuvres (FTM) that could be used for this purpose. These FTMs are scaled based on vehicle geometry. This paper presents results obtained from a simulation campaign to test a set of proposed FTMs. The test campaign was conducted under the framework of the EUROCAE activities with participation of members of the group. Tests were conducted in DLR's Air Vehicle Simulator. Five proposed FTMs were flown by test pilots. Pilot feedback and analysis of results are used to propose recommendations to FTMs.