MV-22B high density altitude handling qualities

All rotary wing aircraft suffer from degraded handling qualities while operating at high density altitudes (DA).^{1 2 3} It was predicted that the V-22 Osprey would also suffer degraded flying qualities at high DA; however no testing in the low airspeed regime had been conducted above 6000 ft DA, and predictions and simulation were unreliable at high rotor thrust coefficients. To expand the aircraft operating envelope, and evaluate the unique handling qualities of a tilt rotor, a test program was conducted to evaluate aircraft operational effectiveness specifically in the low airspeed regime (below 50 knots). Flight control frequency response and bandwidth were evaluated in all axes. Paced critical azimuth was conducted to evaluate trim conditions and control margins. Multi-axis inputs were evaluated to determine attitude response. Mission Task Elements (MTE´s) were evaluated to characterize operational effectiveness, and validated current tilt rotor techniques and procedures. This paper presents the test method, scope, and planning efforts, presents results and conclusions, and also identifies recommendations and lessons learned from the evaluation.