Research infrastructure

Helicopter Pilots Station (HPS)

The Helicopter Pilots Station (HPS) is an advanced versatile pilot-in-the-loop reconfigurable research helicopter simulation facility designed and built by NLR. It offers a two crew cockpit environment for research, evaluation and training. The HPS has been developed with particular emphasis on handling qualities and human factors research. The facility has the capability to interoperate with other simulation facilities, both in-house and from third-parties. This enables it to be used in complex scenarios involving air traffic control and/or other aircraft, including mission support systems and Computer-Generated Forces. Moreover, all models, interfaces and control systems can be adapted and provide reliable measurable results.

The broad range of research applications include:

  • Human factors research, such as workload, performance and teamwork
  • Accident investigation
  • Assessment of and development of helicopter operating procedures
  • Evaluation of aircrew training equipment and simulator prototyping
  • Research for the education and training of pilots
  • Research into avionics, such as a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) and sensor simulation.

Main features

  • The rotorcraft flight controls consist of both helicopter controls (collective, cyclic stick and pedals) and an NLR patented tiltrotor power lever. All supplied with an electrical control loading system to generate the control forces. The control loading system is programmable and able to reproduce almost any flight control characteristic.
  • Cockpit instruments and cockpit displays are simulated using big touch screens. Software to drive these displays is developed in-house with a rapid display development tool, allowing cost-effective development of human-machine interfaces.
  • The outside world is displayed by four projectors providing a high resolution image with a total field of view of 180° horizontally by 70° vertically.
  • NLR has extensive expertise in helicopter modelling and validation. We use ART FlightLab software as the main engineering environment for helicopters and tilt-rotor flight dynamics modeling and simulation. The modular design and graphical user interface enable users to rapidly modify model definitions.
  • Additionally, the HPS can be interfaced with other simulators, including battle labs, NARSIM air traffic control simulator and other aircraft simulators.