Helicopter Sling Load Positioning

Abstract

The paper at hand addresses the precise positioning control of helicopter sling loads. Due to a significant decrease in handling qualities caused by the external load, the manual load positioning can be hindered. By means of linear quadratic optimal output regulation, the helicopter position as well as the load sway are controlled in an integrated approach. The position control is part of an existing AFCS, which guarantees for the basic helicopter stability. The controllers are developed and tested on the basis of a comprehensive system simulation