Flight Tests for the Assessment of Task Performance and Control Activity

Flight tests were conducted to assess the influence of pilot technique and helicopter system design on task performance in nap‐of‐the‐earth (NOE) flight. To provide the desired visual flight task, a dolphin course was built up. In accordance with tactical requirements, the pilot's specific task was to minimize time and altitude over the obstacles. The tests were performed with B0 105 and UH‐1D helicopters. Data reduction yielded statistical parameters describing the control activity of the pilot and the quality of task performance, which are shown in evaluation diagrams. Additional dolphin tests were performed with varied control strategy to obtain more insight into the influence of control techniques. From these test results, recommendations are derived which emphasize the use of collective pitch control and the reduction of collective to pitch cross‐coupling for the dolphin.