Development of the First Helicopter Operational Flight Trainer

This paper describes the design and development problems associated with the construction of the first operational flight trainer to simulate a helicopter. Included is a description of the components comprising the trainer along with a discussion of its capabilities and training value for indoctrinating Army helicopter pilots in the flight characteristics of the H-37A Helicopter. Problems in deriving a complete set of motion equations were encountered in the initial phases of the project. These are described as is the approach used in simulating the rotor aerodynamics. The attachment to the operational flight trainer used by the student for visual flight training is also described in detail.