Effect of a Haptic Torque Protection with an Active Sidestick on Pilot's Eyes-Out Capability during a Helicopter Takeoff

Abstract

Tactile limit cueing with active inceptors can reduce limit exceedances and workload. The often stated assumption, that it would enable the pilots to look more outside and less on the instruments, was not verified yet. In a simulator study the pilots’ gaze during a high performance takeoff maneuver with and without a haptic torque protection system was now measured. It confirmed the assumption. Also, the pilot’s workload was less and the accuracy of limit tracking higher with the haptic torque protection system.