The Estimation of Helicopter Pilot Workload Using Inverse Simulation. Internal Report No. 9624

In the first instance this report describes the means by which inverse simulation can be used as a pilot workload estimation tool. An alternative approach to defining the mathematical model of the ADS-33 Rapid Side-step Mission Task Element (MTE) is presented and is used to drive various inverse simulation runs. Studies are conducted into three varying aggression side-step MTEs and the comparison of two dissimilar helicopter configurations based on the Westland Lynx, simulated using the same side-step. It is shown how the resulting time-histories and quickness charts can be utilised in pilot workload and handling qualities estimation. A third quickness parameter associated with the lateral cyclic stick displacements required to fly the side-step MTEs is introduced and is shown to be capable of discriminating between the pilot workload required for each side-step and vehicle configuration. The latter study in the report presents the preliminary findings on the effects of workload by firstly, introducing a Stability and Control Augmentation System and secondly investigating the effects of altering the value of the lateral cyclic actuator time constant