Stability and Control Modeling of Tiltrotor Aircraft

Abstract

This thesis develops a simple open-source model of a tiltrotor using the basic equations of motion. The model focused on stability and control aspects of the XV-15 aircraft using simple linear analysis and, in general, did not add in correction or scaling factors to obtain a better match with flight data. Subsequent analysis performed included a trim and time history solution. A linearized state space model was also developed and analyzed using state space matrices, Bode plots, and eigenvalue analysis. The results were validated against generic tiltrotor simulation model results and compared to flight test where available.

The model resulted in was able to show inherent tiltrotor characteristics, however, further model refinements are needed. Helicopter and airplane mode flight data was used for comparisons. In order to make a true assessment of how well a simple model can approximate a tiltrotor, comparison with conversion mode flight data is required.