Active sidesticks used for VRS avoidance

Abstract

A tactile cueing function using active sidesticks for Vortex Ring State (VRS) avoidance has been developed and was tested in DLRs ground simulator. The function uses a VRS prediction model developed by the ONERA, capable of predicting the actual closeness to the VRS onset during flight. The tactile cueing function was tested using 3 dierent tasks in a simulator. Workload ratings were performed and showed clear reductions with the cueing function and the pilots commented positively on the function. The cueing function is prepared for upcoming flight testing on the DLR Flying Helicopter Simulator (FHS). As preparations for flight tests, the influence of using real sensor data is analyzed.