TOWARDS ROTORCRAFT AND VTOL AIRCRAFT SAFETY: A SIMULATION AND CONTROL PERSPECTIVE

This talk explores TU Delft’s current research efforts aimed at enhancing the safety of rotorcraft and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft through advanced simulation and control methodologies.

It emphasizes modeling challenges specific to rotary-wing platforms, the development of high-fidelity simulation environments, and the integration of modern control strategies to manage critical flight scenarios.

By addressing both theoretical foundations and practical applications, the talk highlights how safety-driven design and control can contribute to improved behavior, resilience, and overall performance of future rotorcraft and VTOL configurations.

Speaker:

Dr. Marilena D. Pavel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Control and Operations at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands.

With around 30 years of experience in vertical lift aircraft, her current research focuses on control methodologies for VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) systems and the development of advanced simulation environments for handling qualities analysis and certification.

Dr. Pavel has contributed to several major European research initiatives, including Clean Sky, Horizon 2020, GARTEUR, and Marie Curie Network projects. Between 2015 and 2018, she undertook a sabbatical in the United States, collaborating with NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center and the National Test Pilot School in Mojave, California.

She is a senior member of the Vertical Flight Society and has a recognized leadership profile featured in Vertipedia.

6.5.2025