(Aerospace Series) 3rd Edition
by Gareth D. Padfield (Author)
The behaviour of helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft is so complex
that understanding the physical mechanisms at work in trim, stability
and response, and thus the prediction of Flying Qualities, requires a
framework of analytical and numerical modelling and simulation. Good
Flying Qualities are vital for ensuring that mission performance is
achievable with safety and, in the first and second editions of
Helicopter Flight Dynamics, a comprehensive treatment of design criteria
was presented, relating to both normal and degraded Flying Qualities.
Fully embracing the consequences of Degraded Flying Qualities during the
design phase will contribute positively to safety. In this third
edition, two new Chapters are included. Chapter 9 takes the reader on a
journey from the origins of the story of Flying Qualities, tracing key
contributions to the developing maturity and to the current position.
Chapter 10 provides a comprehensive treatment of the Flight Dynamics of
tiltrotor aircraft; informed by research activities and the limited data
on operational aircraft. Many of the unique behavioural characteristics
of tiltrotors are revealed for the first time in this book.
The
accurate prediction and assessment of Flying Qualities draws on the
modelling and simulation discipline on the one hand and testing practice
on the other. Checking predictions in flight requires clearly defined
mission tasks, derived from realistic performance requirements. High
fidelity simulations also form the basis for the design of stability and
control augmentation systems, essential for conferring Level 1 Flying
Qualities. The integrated description of flight dynamic modelling,
simulation and flying qualities of rotorcraft forms the subject of this
book, which will be of interest to engineers practising and honing their
skills in research laboratories, academia and manufacturing industries,
test pilots and flight test engineers, and as a reference for graduate
and postgraduate students in aerospace engineering.
