Evaluation of Flight Test Data for Handling Quality Assessment Using the Example of a Military Transport Aircraft Similar to the A400M

Abstract

The thesis at hand addresses the evaluation of flight test data to enable subsequent handling quality assessment using the example of a military transport aircraft similar to the A400M. To begin with, basics in the fields of system and parameter identification, dynamics modes, flight test techniques, handling qualities, and military transport aircraft are covered. Based on this background, an algorithm fo parameter identification from measured time data is designed. It comprises self-developed parts based on different techniques such as Fourier Transformation, Time Ratio Method or Transient Peak Ratio Method, amongst others, on the one hand. Furthermore, the identification software FITLAB (Parameter Estimation Using MATLAB) is integrated with the developed procedure for comparison. The functionality of the algorithm is verified within the scope of a validation experiment. Obtained results for the stability modes are illustrated and compared to typical trends and target values. Furthermore, the handling quality tool HAREM (Handling Qualities Research and Evaluation Using MATLAB), developed by the Institute of Flight Systems at DLR, is enhanced based on a report on handling qualities for military transport aircraft from 2008. The system parameters resulting from the validation experiment are then used for an exemplary handling quality assessment with HAREM. Results for seven selected criteria and two different configurations are demonstrated. The designed algorithm and the enhanced handling quality tool, as a results of this work, are a first step for further analyses that will follow in the field of handling qualities of military transport aircraft.