Systematic investigation of models of helicopter with a slung load

Abstract

Some of the analytical models of the helicopter-load system developed in this work should be helpful in further analyzing the motion of such a configuration. It is recommended that subsequent studies should examine the following aspects of the motion of the vehicle-load system. Considering the dynamics and aerodynamics of the load modeled appropriately as a rigid body, the effect of aerodynamic instabilities of the load on the motion of the configuration should be determined. An analysis of the dynamic stability of such a system in forward flight, in a turbulent atmosphere, is suggested. Configurations in which the load is suspended by multiple tethers should be examined, using better models than in the past, to determine the merits of such suspension schemes.