DLR test pilot Sebastian Soffner wearing the Microsoft HoloLens 2 augmented reality glasses inside the DLR research helicopter Active Control Technology / Flying Helicopter Simulator (ACT/FHS). The visual assistance system is designed to help pilots perform complex flight manoeuvres. The pilot is shown important information about the current flight status and any obstacles in his immediate field of vision.
The Flight Mechanics and flight handling qualities group in the Helicopter department conducts research into the development, application and improvement of preliminary design, modelling, flight characteristics and concepts for the further development of training simulations for rotorcraft. The aim of the group's diverse research topics is to evaluate and optimise the safety and efficiency of helicopter operations. For example, the group works with the certification authorities to develop the scientific basis for the development of certification regulations for new rotorcraft configurations. It evaluates the influence of new assistance systems on flight characteristics in simulations and flight tests, including by means of eye-tracking measurements. It develops, evaluates and optimises physics-based non-linear simulation models that are used to evaluate the flight mechanics and, in particular, the flight characteristics of new manned and unmanned rotorcraft configurations.
The use of novel visual systems, such as virtual, augmented and mixed reality, for the training of helicopter pilots and for the further development of flight simulators is being worked on together with partners from industry.
The group's work also includes the investigation and optimisation of approaches to support particularly challenging helicopter missions, such as air-to-air refuelling and ship deck landing of helicopters, as well as the development and evaluation of innovative methods for assessing the flight characteristics of fast-flying rotorcraft configurations.
The group works closely with national and international partners from industry, helicopter operators, regulatory authorities, other research organisations and universities.
