Helicopter Control during Landing on a Moving Confined Platform

Abstract

The paper presents a control algorithm for a helicopter automatic approach and landing on a moving confined platform. It discusses landing on a sea vessel deck as a representative case for a mobile confined area. The dynamic model of a single rotor helicopter with a control system, developed in the FLIGHTLAB environment, and validated against flight tests data, is used to investigate control efficiency. The developed control method is based on the Linear Quadratic Regulator combined with prediction of motion of the landing area. An important part of the research was analysis of availability of the data needed for controlling the rotorcraft. The simulations of approach and landing on a moving vessel in various environmental conditions confirmed the efficiency of the developed control methodology.