Rotorcraft flight dynamics and control research focuses on modeling, testing, and validating real-time control of integrated, advanced rotorcraft technologies with emphasis on heavy-lift handling qualities and control.

Flight dynamics and controls pose unique challenges due to the inherent instabilities of the flight vehicle, the aerodynamic and mechanical complexity of the system, and the operational environment, which is often obstacle-rich with poor visibility at low altitude. As new designs emerge, such as individual blade control (IBC), on-blade control (OBC), variable rotor speeds, and heavy-lift designs, it is essential that control of flight and the capabilities of the human pilot be integrated in the design process. Fundamental research must be conducted to address the implications of higher-bandwidth control arising from IBC and OBC concepts, mitigation of dynamic effects resulting from rotor speed changes, as well as the reduced control response inherent to larger rotorcraft. This research will improve the predictive models for aircraft dynamics and address the human performance implications of alternative human/system interface designs. A key activity in this discipline is developing an integrated, broadband rotorcraft control system incorporating a flight control system, engine control, airframe/drive-train/rotor-load control, active rotor control of vibration and noise, vehicle health management, and guidance for low-noise operation.

This research area is an integration of activities from three disciplines: flight dynamics and control, acoustics, and propulsion. Work in flight dynamics and control will emphasize developing an integrated solution of handling qualities and dynamics for problems such as a variable-speed rotor. Precision guidance, navigation, and control capabilities will also be developed to enable data collection and evaluation for rotorcraft flight experiments, including studies of acoustic properties, vehicle dynamics modeling, noise reduction, and terminal-area operations.