Preparatory Activities for CH-53 Flight Tests with a Slung Load

Abstract

Currently, preparations for external slung load flight tests on a German Army CH53 are ongoing at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The paper describes the development of a simulation environment which allows gaining insight into the coupled helicopter load dynamics as well as into the slung load stability issues. In accordance with the scheduled flight tests the simulation tool is adapted for a German Army CH53 helicopter. Simulation outputs of various test cases have been produced and compared to available CH53 flight tests data. The simulation environment represents a platform that may help evaluating dynamic load limits and control boundaries as well as dynamic responses of the helicopter and the slung load on control inputs and disturbances, respectively. Distinctive capabilities of the simulation are demonstrated using an aerodynamic effective and heavy flat plate like structure.