Validation of a helicopter turbulence model on PUMA 330 dynamics

Abstract

Aircraft and algorithms used in automated flight control are always designed for calm atmospheric conditions; therefore, testing their behaviour in realistic atmospheric conditions implies the necessity for efficient turbulence models. The present paper tests the behaviour of a helicopter in turbulent atmospheric conditions, using two different, complex models and a mathematically derived CETI-type turbulence model, specific to the PUMA 330 helicopter.

Keywords

• helicopter
• automatic flight control system (AFCS)
• turbulence model