| The University of Toronto's Institute for Aerospace Studies Flight Simulation Laboratory received a contract from the Department of National Defence in 1994 to do a human factors study into the feasibility of running a fixed base helicopter simulator onboard a ship. The study would be performed using CH-124 Sea King pilots. In order to undertake the study, a simulation of a Sea King was required.; GenHel, a ten degree of freedom nonlinear simulation program developed by Sikorsky and NASA Ames, was used for the simulation. Data on all of the physical characteristics such as inertias and blade data was collected and implemented. The Sea King also has a unique autopilot/autostabilizer system that had to be developed and incorporated into GenHel.; The resulting model was put through many tests consisting of simple control inputs at various speeds. At airspeeds less than 60 kts the behavior of the model was consistent with available response plots as well as the responses described in the flight manual. At speeds greater than 60 kts, the trim attitudes and collective response became unrealistic. Preliminary pilot evaluation was invaluable in refining the model, although more pilots should be used to further validate and refine the simulation. |
