Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the performance of the control system developed for the helicopter automatic approach and landing on the moving vessel deck, when different values of backlashes are applied to the four control actuators.Design/methodology/approachThe system consists of automatic control algorithm based on the linear quadratic regulator and the vessel motion prediction algorithm based on autoregressive method with parameters calculated using Burg’s method. Necessary navigation data is provided by on-board inertial navigation system/Global Positioning System. Calculated control commands are executed by four electromechanical actuators. Performance of the mission, which is based on selected procedure of approach and landing of the helicopter on the moving vessel deck, is analyzed taking into account different values of backlashes applied to the actuators.FindingsIn this paper, a description of the control system dedicated for automatic approach and landing of the helicopter on the moving vessel deck is shown. Necessary information about helicopter dynamic model, control system and vessel motion model is included. Tests showing influence of actuator backlashes on the mission performance are presented.Practical implicationsThe developed control methodology can be adapted for selected helicopter and used in prospective development of an automatic flight control system (AFCS) or in a simulator. The system can be used to define in which conditions helicopter can perform safe and successful automatic approach and landing on a moving vessel deck.Originality/valueIn this paper, an integrated control system is presented; influence of the control actuator backlashes on the mission performance is analyzed.
Highlights
An aspect of the performance of the control system developed for the helicopter automatic approach and landing on the moving vessel deck, when different values of backlashes are applied to the four control actuators is shown
The developed control system is applied to the Leonardo PZL SW-4 helicopter dynamic model, developed in FLIGHTLAB environment and validated using manufacturer flight test data and by two test pilots
Tests of the developed control system performance during approach and landing on the moving vessel deck are performed using the selected procedure at selected environmental conditions with different values of backlashes applied to four control actuators
Summary
An aspect of the performance of the control system developed for the helicopter automatic approach and landing on the moving vessel deck, when different values of backlashes are applied to the four control actuators is shown. For the automatic approach and landing of the helicopter on the moving vessel deck, an integrated control system is used. The developed control system is applied to the Leonardo PZL SW-4 helicopter dynamic model, developed in FLIGHTLAB environment and validated using manufacturer flight test data and by two test pilots. Tests of the developed control system performance during approach and landing on the moving vessel deck are performed using the selected procedure at selected environmental conditions with different values of backlashes applied to four control actuators. This paper is a further development of Topczewski et al (2020). The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/1748-8842.htm
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
