Development and Evaluation of New Mission Task Elements to Assess Low-Level Handling Qualities

This study introduces three new proposed mission task elements (MTEs), “Big Air,” “Giant Slalom,” and “Super Combined,” aimed at evaluating handling qualities during low-level and high-speed flight profiles. These MTEs are designed to reflect operational task elements critical in military engagements, particularly where rotorcraft capabilities in evading radar detection and maneuvering at high speeds are paramount. Utilizing piloted simulations with four generic rotorcraft configurations under various flight control laws, the MTEs' effectiveness in exposing aircraft characteristics and handling deficiencies is systematically assessed. The evaluation, conducted with a diverse group of pilots, underscores the MTEs' relevance to real-world scenarios and their robustness in handling qualities assessment across different rotorcraft designs. The study reveals that while some configurations exhibit consistent Level 1 handling qualities ratings, others show varied performance, particularly when integrating additional means of velocity control, such as pusher propellers or velocity hold modes. Findings suggest modifications to current evaluation frameworks to better accommodate the dynamic operational requirements of future vertical lift platforms.