Development of helicopter flight path models utilizing modern control techniques

The nonlinear set of equations which represents helicopter motion are linearized about a prescribed nominal state. Once the linearized system is obtained it is validated by comparing the output of the nonlinear system to that of its linearized counterpart. Having obtained a linear model, linear system theory may then be applied in order to investigate the stability and control characteristics of the aircraft. General techniques for simulating helicopter pilot response for inclusion in a flight path simulation program have been devised. To provide the desired flight goal, a nominal flight trajectory is obtained from an existing nonlinear model. With this basis a deterministic pilot model which attempts to minimize flight deviations from the nominal can be developed for generating descriptions of the desired flight path --Abstract, page v