Helicopter control response types for hover and low-speed near-earth tasks in degraded visual conditions

The NASA-Ames Vertical Motion Simulator and Dig 1 Computer Image Generator (CIG) have been used to simulate a helicopter cockpit in a degraded visual environment in order to assess several control-response types during low-level flight. CIG visibility was reduced to the point where the horizon and other far-field cues were indiscernible. The control-response types encompassed a rate command, an attitude command/hold, and a translational rate command; piloting tasks were hover, vertical landing, a pirouette, acceleration/deceleration, and a sidestep maneuver. Visual cue ratings with a rate-command response type were initially collected to set the usable cue environment at 3. A rate-command response type provided poor Level 2 handling qualities.