Advancing Aircraft Handling Qualities with STI Expertise

Dr. Mike Jones

01/12/2025

Aerospace

At Systems Technology, Inc. (STI), handling qualities (HQ) are part of our foundation. For decades, we’ve helped aerospace teams understand and improve how pilots interact with their aircraft—across fighters, rotorcraft, transports, business jets, and emerging systems like UAS and hypersonic vehicles.

A Proven Legacy in Handling Qualities

Since our founding, STI has played a key role in shaping the handling qualities (HQ) standards that guide the aerospace industry today. Our engineers contributed to the development of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and V/STOL specifications and the first mission-oriented design standard—ADS-33 for military rotorcraft. We also developed widely used data repositories for aircraft and helicopters that remain valuable resources for research and system development.

Independent Assessments for Every Platform

STI provides independent handling qualities evaluations for a broad spectrum of vehicles, including the X-15, F-16, V-22, C-17, and Space Shuttle. Our assessments support both simulation and flight test environments, giving program managers and engineers data-driven insights into controllability, pilot workload, and flight dynamics—critical for certification and development.

Enhancing Pilot-Vehicle Interaction

Since the 1960s, STI has studied how pilots interact with flight controls and systems. Our research into inceptor characteristics informed today’s human operator models and control system design. Building on that heritage, we’ve advanced active pilot cueing solutions such as Smart-Cue, Smart-Gain, and SAFE-Cue—adaptive feedback and control concepts designed to prevent pilot-induced oscillations and improve stability during challenging conditions.

Modern Methods for Pilot Workload Evaluation

Our latest work applies wavelet transform analysis and psychophysiological metrics to better understand pilot input and workload in real time. These methods enhance simulation and flight test evaluations, providing a clear view of how pilots respond to dynamic or high-stress flight conditions.

Comprehensive Support from Design to Certification

STI supports all phases of handling qualities analysis—from requirements definition and design evaluations to certification and flight test. Our tools and consulting services help engineers make confident, data-backed decisions that improve performance, safety, and pilot effectiveness.