Controller Development and Simulation Using the Raptor 50 Helicopter Longitudinal Model

This paper will examine the use of a 3 degree of freedom longitudinal model of the Thunder Tiger Raptor 50 V2 remote controlled helicopter for developing controllers through modeling and simulation. Developed by the Department of Aerospace Engineering Flight Test Laboratory at the University of Kansas, the Raptor 50 dynamic model makes use of extensive flight test data. The dynamic model was based upon both flight test data and first principal equations. Extensive simulation and modeling was performed to verify that the developed model matched the performance of the flight test data. The purpose of this initial research is to develop a set of controller design specifications and performance criteria through both simulation and flight testing verification for use on autonomous helicopters.