Simulator Experiments for Aeroelastic Rotorcraft-Pilot Couplings

Rotorcraft pilot couplings, particularly pilot-assisted oscillations, result from interactions between pilot biomechanics and vehicle dynamics, potentially causing instabilities. Traditional stability analysis uses simplified biodynamic feedthrough models, focusing on inter-pilot variability under standard conditions. However, biodynamic feedthrough varies with muscle activation, which changes based on task demands. This study employs a purposely-developed testbed to evaluate the biodynamic feedthrough in pilot-in-the-loop tests. Two scenarios were tested: maintaining leveled flight amid turbulence in degraded visual conditions and an ADS-33 vertical repositioning maneuver. Preliminary results indicate significant differences between closed-loop flight behavior and open-loop biodynamic feedthrough estimates, confirming task-dependent changes in pilot impedance. This work advances rotorcraft-pilot coupling risk assessment by capturing real-world pilot-vehicle coupling, moving beyond static biomechanical models.