Identification of Autogyro Longitudinal Stability and Control Characteristics From Flight Test. G.U. Aero Report 9701

Houston, S.S. (1997) Identification of Autogyro Longitudinal Stability and Control Characteristics From Flight Test. G.U. Aero Report 9701. Technical Report. Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This Paper presents an analysis of test data recorded during flight trials of an autogyro. This class of rotary-wing aircraft has found limited application in areas other than sport or recreational flying. However, the accident rate is such that a study of the configuration's stability and control characteristics is timely, and in addition substantive data is required for a new airworthiness and design standard that is under development. The Paper presents a unique coupling of established parameter estimation techniques with data from a class of aircraft that has received no attention in the contemporary literature. As a consequence, the Paper helps to consolidate the status of system identification as a powerful tool in the analysis of rotorcraft engineering problems. It is concluded that robust estimates of the longitudinal stability and control derivatives have been identified, indicating benign and "classical" longitudinal stability and control characteristics. However, unlike most helicopters, the rotorspeed degree of freedom must be included in the model structure.

• Item Type: Research Reports or Papers (Technical Report)
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Houston, Dr Stewart
• Authors: Houston, S.S.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• Publisher: Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Glasgow
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 1997 Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Glasgow
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the Department