Simulation Model for Helicopter Cargo Handling Investigations

Currently, investigations concerning the handling of helicopters in slung load operations are ongoing at the Institute of Flight Systems at the DLR. For this purpose a simulation has been built up that includes the joint modelling of the overall system, helicopter plus slung load. The paper describes the development of the simulation environment which allows gaining insight into the coupled helicopter load dynamics as well as into the slung load stability issues. Furthermore, the possibilities of controlling the overall system under certain conditions by means of controller support are discussed. Eventually, the potential of practical realization and future ways of upgrading the simulation and its functionality are mentioned