A comprehensive simulation framework for modeling helicopter ship landing was developed. The framework includes high-fidelity models for: 1) vehicle flight dynamics, 2) Wind Over Deck (WOD), 3) ground effect, 4) ship deck motion, and 5) a robust flight control system.

Approach simulations were performed to assess the influence of WOD and ground effect on the UH-60A helicopter response. The WOD velocities were obtained from Detached Eddy Simulation of flow over a SFS2 ship. A gain scheduled LQR controller was used to track the approach trajectory. The WOD resulted in high frequency oscillations in the CG position coordinates and attitude angles. Oblique WOD conditions required greater control effort than the headwind case. Ground effect, modeled using a simple scaling factor, caused an 11.3% decrease in rotor power consumption.

A finite-state ground effect model was subsequently implemented to study the influence of inclined and moving decks. Hover and landing simulations were performed with a deck inclined at constant roll and pitch angles, and a deck undergoing isolated sinusoidal motion. Static deck roll produced an increase in the lateral inflow coefficient and the longitudinal cyclic input to the main rotor. Power requirements were significantly affected by heaving deck motion, highlighting the importance of modeling dynamic ground effect.