Single boost hydraulic control system with magnetorheological actuator

A system comprising:

• a pilot input device for controlling operation of a rotor system comprising at least one rotor blade;
• a single hydraulic servo actuator in mechanical communication with the pilot input device and the rotor system for providing force assistance in connection with the pilot input device;
• a magnetorheological (MR) actuator in mechanical communication with the pilot input device and the rotor system for providing auto pilot assistance in connection with the pilot input device;
• and
• a flight control computer for detecting a failure of the single hydraulic servo actuator and subsequent to the detection causing the MR actuator to provide force assistance to the pilot input device.

A method of boosting pilot flight control input in a rotorcraft including a pilot input device for controlling operation of a rotor system comprising at least one rotor blade, the method comprising:

• providing a single hydraulic servo actuator in mechanical communication with the pilot input device and the rotor system for providing force assistance in connection with the pilot input device;
• providing a magnetorheological (MR) actuator in mechanical communication with the pilot input device and the rotor system for providing auto pilot assistance in connection with the pilot input device;
• and
• detecting a failure of the single hydraulic servo actuator and subsequent to the detection causing the MR actuator to provide force assistance to the pilot input device.