Two degree of freedom testbeds are an important tool for understanding and testing control algorithms for dynamic vehicles such as helicopters. The UNCA Joint Engineering Mechatronics Program is developing a low cost option for testing attitude control algorithms for a two degree of freedom helicopter system. This test bench tracks rotation in both pitch and yaw directions allowing for the testing of control algorithms in a safe, crash free environment. This device will allow students to rapidly test and develop control algorithms in future projects, and increase educational opportunities in the engineering program.
