Implementation and validation of a 6 degrees-of-freedom nonlinear helicopter model

The paper describes the implementation and validation of a nonlinear model of the UH-60 helicopter. The implemented model is based on a physical vehicle and includes various important subsystems in order to increase the model fidelity. The validation is carried out through a Handling Qualities (HQ) evaluation and a comparison with flight data. Various standardized tests have been performed in the time and frequency domain for hover and the forward flight condition. Results obtained have been analyzed according to the criteria defined by the Aeronautical Design Standard ADS-33E-PRF. The behavior of our helicopter model is very similar to flight test data of the UH-60 in hover and in forward flight, although some coupling effects are not well described. Overall the model provides a reliable basis for use in motion-base simulators and as framework for conducting studies on control augmentation systems.