AE584 Helicopter Stability and Control, Spring 2011

Dr. Ilkay Yavrucuk

AE 584 Helicopter Dynamics, Stability and Control

Project
Due on: Day of Final

Turkey has recently pledged to buy 109 Uh-

60 Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopters. (See the
report on the left by www.reuters.com)
The first Uh-60 entered service in 1979 in the
US Army. Since then many upgrades were
produced keeping the aerodynamic and rotor
characteristics pretty much the same.
Fortunately, the Uh-60 has been the
cornerstone for many milestone research
programs. Therefore, a lot of data is
publically available. K.B.Hilbert, “A
Mathematical Model of the UH-60
Helicopter”, NASA Technical Report [Ref.1]
is one such document and is available at
http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nas
a.gov/19840015585_1984015585.pdf
In this project we would like to find trim
solutions for the helicopter and investigate its
stability characteristics at various speeds by
generating linear models.

TASK 1:
Develop a computer program to obtain trim solutions using the simplified propulsive trim
equations developed in class. Using the data in Ref.1 for the Uh-60 helicopter, obtain
control positions required to trim the vehicle in straight and level flight with zero sideslip
from hover to an advanced ratio of 0.3 in steps of 0.05. Plot control positions (including
pedal), longitudinal and lateral tilts of the tip path plane, angle of attack and roll attitude
versus advanced ratio. Also, plot Cp and CT versus advanced ratio. Compare your results
with those provided in Ref.1. and comment
Note: Since trim is required at zero sideslip, you need to consider aerodynamics forces
and moments from the fuselage and horizontal tail in the longitudinal plane only. You
still need to include tail rotor thrust at the center of gravity as a side force with tail rotor
thrust calculated from the torque balance.

TASK2:
The aerodynamic stability and control derivatives for the Uh-60 helicopter are provided
in Ref.1 for approx. hover (0.5-1knot) up to 140 knots forward flight.
For hover, 40 knots and 100 knots,
 AE584 Helicopter Stability and Control, Spring 2011
Dr. Ilkay Yavrucuk

a) Obtain the stability and control matrices.

b) Assuming the longitudinal and lateral dynamics are not coupled, obtain the
uncoupled stability and control matrices and find the longitudinal and lateral
stability roots. Is the system stable, unstable? Why?
c) Compute time constant, time to double/half amplitude for non-oscillatory roots.
Compute time period and time to double/half amplitude for oscillatory roots.
Repeat part b) and c) including coupling between longitudinal and lateral dynamics
Compare your results with those in Ref.1 and comment on your results.

Figure1: Uh-60 Helicopter

Deliverables:
1. A report detailing your work, results, plots, your findings, comments, etc. This is an
engineering investigation. Include everything you think is necessary.
2. Your codes and report, plots, etc. in electronic form on a CD.

You are encouraged to discuss the problem among each other; however every line of code and writing should be your
own. For assistance you may consult me or anyone in the Simulation, Control and Avionics Lab (Room#231).