Gyroplane Longitudinal Flight Dynamics

Abstract

This paper describes recent research activities at DLR´s institute of flight systems on the flight dynamics and performance of modern lightweight gyroplanes. The main causes of hazardous situations or accidents with gyroplanes are discussed. DLR´s gyroplane simulation model is presented briefly; it contains subsystems for the gyroplane body and rotor aerodynamics, the landing gear, the engine/propeller, the control system, and the environment. A special flight test program has been conducted with a gyroplane of the type MTOsport operated at DLR to gather data for model validation. The model validation process aiming at the application in a flight simulator for pilot training is described briefly. The flight stability and controllability is analyzed by means of eigenvalues and transfer functions. Some often discussed topics are investigated like the effect of the tail plane, the vertical location of the propeller thrust line in relation to the centre of gravity and the issue of pilot involved oscillations.