MENtOR: Methods and Experiments for NOvel Rotorcraft

Lead Research Organisation: University of Leicester
Department Name: Engineering

Abstract

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Description The current research has been able to propose improved flight control design procedures for the tiltrotor model (XV15), which was one of the main focus of the MENtOR project. The proposed control design methods improve the performance and reliability with respect to standard methods, offering full flight envelope protection. Flight control algorithms, which provide the intelligence for autopilot systems and workload alleviation for pilots, are more challenging to design for this type of aircraft due to its ability to behave both as a conventional helicopter (able to take-off and land vertically) and as a standard fixed-wing aircraft (and hence able to reach faster speeds in cruise). The control design principles can be extended to emerging aircraft configurations in the areas of Urban and Regional Air Mobility, which also require such dual behaviour with an extended number of flight actuators.
Exploitation Route The principles for flight control design to achieve improved reliability, performance and handling qualities, as well as proposed metrics to estimate the reliability of the flight control algorithms more accurately, can be used in the standard aerospace sector in general with a significant impact on control design policies. The proposed control algorithms are especially suited for novel aircraft configurations which are being prototyped and on the path to certification to be able to operate in Urban and Regional Air Mobility applications (U&RAM). The results from this research form a strong basis for further research endeavours and validation with key aerospace stakeholders pushing the barriers in U&RAM.
Sectors Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Security and Diplomacy,Transport
 
Description Current findings of this research on the use of modern flight control design techniques have been disseminated to key rotorcraft industries in the UK, as well as international academic members. A few industrialists have expressed an interest in further exploring the use of these findings but this would be subject to the collaboration materialising and receiving adequate financial support. The findings have a potential impact on improving the reliability and performance of flight control systems especially for emerging configurations in the new areas of Urban and Regional Air Mobility. Ensuring high reliability by setting appropriate control design policies of the flight control system is key to achieve public acceptance. Higher performance would also lead to reduced human errors in piloted aircraft and improved flight comfort, as well as economic benefits.
First Year Of Impact 2021
Sector Aerospace, Defence and Marine
Impact Types Societal,Economic,Policy & public services
 
Description Tilt Rotor Vehicle Aerodynamic Modelling 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department School of Engineering Glasgow
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Controller design based on the aerodynamics model built by the research partner.
Collaborator Contribution Aerodynamic modelling for the tilt rotor vehicle; Trimming methods developed for the linearisation of such model;
Impact Control laws are designed based on the trimming of the tilt-rotor vehicle model developed by our partner. A conference paper for the Vertical Society Annual Forum 2021 has been accepted and will appear shortly.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Validation of Flight Control Laws by Pilot in Flight Simulator 
Organisation University of Liverpool
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Providing improved control laws for the tiltrotor aircraft XV-15 to be implemented and validated at the University of Liverpool's Flight Simulator
Collaborator Contribution The research partners at the University of Liverpool are providing access to the Flight Simulator to test new control algorithms on their Flight Simulator. The XV-15 aircraft model is being implemented on the flight simulator and the control laws will be tested by a professional pilot to assess the improvements of the flight control algorithms. Due to the impact of covid on the use of the Flight Simulator, the tests have been delayed.
Impact The outcomes of the validation campaign of the flight control algorithms are expected to be reported once completed if they can be completed by the end of our grant date. These outcomes have the potential impact to provide updated and improved guidance on control design policies and improved metrics for certification purposes.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Webinar on Introduction to Rotorcraft Control Systems 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact About 50 people, between PhD and professional engineers in the rotorcraft industry, attended an introductory webinar (Eventbrite) on Advanced Control Methods for flight control system design. The event lasted about 2 hours and members were exposed to key findings of the current research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021