Work

HeliCAT-DARTS: A High Fidelity, Closed-Loop Rotorcraft Simulator for Planetary Exploration

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: HeliCAT-DARTS is a high-fidelity rotorcraft dynamics simulator developed for the design and development of rotorcraft for planetary exploration. While initially developed for the life cycle use of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter mission, the simulator now supports a broad range of rotorcraft configurations and applications. HeliCAT provides a GNC testbed and aerial mobility analysis platform for rotorcraft design, closed-loop flight software development, verification and validation (V&V), and mission operations. This article discusses the design and use of the HeliCAT simulator and results from technology demonstrations and missions.

Source: Aerospace

DOI: 10.3390/aerospace11090727

Authors: Carl Leake, Håvard Grip, Vivian Steyert, Tristan D. Hasseler, Martin Cacan, Abhinandan Jain

Institution: Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Aerospace Engineering and Control Systems

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,728

Funders: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory