DOCSLIB.ORG

Taking Control Making the Helicopter Pilot Optional

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Taking Control Making the Helicopter Pilot Optional Volume 33 Number 4 July/August 2014 Taking control Making the helicopter pilot optional SHARPENING THE EAST- AFFORDABLE ITS CLAWS WEST DIVIDE AVIATION Wildcat HMA2 update European helo programmes US Army restructure www.rotorhub.com DH_JulAug14_OFC.indd 1 02/07/2014 11:16:33 Achieve Positive Identification Superior Vision, Unmatched SWAP FLIR Systems continues to redefi ne what’s possible with the new Star SAFIRE™ 380HDc. Unmatched multi-spectral HD imaging in a light, compact, low profi le system designed for your mission. Star SAFIRE® 380-HDc Long-Range Performance in a Compact System For more information visit www.fl ir.com/380hdc / fl i r h q @ fl i r 7/1/14 1:26 PM Military Helicopter fp Ad VERSION 3 7114.indd 1 The World’s Sixth Sense DH_JulAug14_IFC.indd 2 02/07/2014 11:21:23 Sixth Sense Military Helicopter fp Ad VERSION 3 7114.indd 1 The World’s 7/1/14 1:26 PM / fl i r h q @ fl i r For more information visit www.fl ir.com/380hdc in a Compact System Long-Range Performance Star SAFIRE 380-HDc ® for your mission. HD imaging in a light, compact, low profi le system designed the new Star SAFIRE™ 380HDc. Unmatched multi-spectral FLIR Systems continues to redefi ne what’s possible with Superior Vision, Unmatched SWAP Identification Achieve Positive CONTENTS Front cover: The MFRF programme seeks to develop an onboard sensor to perform a variety of tasks that enhance the survivability of rotorcraft. (Image: DARPA) 3 Comment Editor Tony Skinner, [email protected] Tel: +44 1753 727020 4 News n Echo Apaches performing beyond Staff Reporter expectations Jonathan Tringham, [email protected] n Poland moves ahead with helicopter Contributors purchase Patrick Allen, Gordon Arthur, Pieter Bastiaans, Peter Donaldson, Jim Dorschner, Scott R Gourley, n Netherlands suspends acceptance of Neelam Mathews, Alexander Mladenov, further NH90 NFHs David Oliver, David Saw, Richard Scott, Matthew Smith, Alan Warnes, Jim Winchester, Tom Withington 10 The East-West divide The demand for new and upgraded Production Department Manager David Hurst, [email protected] helicopters from European militaries varies greatly across the continent. Matthew 33 Sub-editor Adam Wakeling Smith learns which countries are leading the way in procurement and improvement 38 Quest for power Commercial Manager programmes. A number of next-generation engines are Jane Smith, [email protected] Tel: +44 1753 727004 currently in development that promise 15 Ready or not? significant reduction in specific fuel Editor-in-Chief Tony Skinner With a tender still to be released for consumption levels and maintenance costs. Hungary’s military helicopter fleet Peter Donaldson examines some of these Managing Director replacement plans, questions remain over programmes. Darren Lake which platforms are likely to be procured, Chairman and the time frame involved. Jim Dorschner 45 Affordable aviation Nick Prest looks at the possible contenders. With the US Army’s restructuring plans for SUBSCRIPTIONS its rotary-wing component now fully laid CDS Global, Tower House, Lathkill Street, Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, 20 Wildcat sharpens its claws out in public, the battle lines have been Leics LE16 9EF, UK The RN will next year introduce the Wildcat drawn and will likely result in some severe Paid subscription contacts: HMA2 on the front line. Richard Scott political ruptures yet, finds Tony Skinner. Tel: +44 1858 438879 Fax: +44 1858 461739 visited 700W Naval Air Squadron to Email: [email protected] discover what tactical development has 48 Tail Spin Defence Helicopter (USPS 023-352) is published revealed about the aircraft’s potential. Dominique Maudet, EVP global business six times per year – in January/February, March/April, and services at Airbus Helicopters, talks to May/June, July/August, September/October and November/December– by The Shephard Press Ltd, 26 Taking control Tony Skinner about the future prospects 268 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4DX, UK. Could the concept of an optionally piloted for the company’s military product line. Subscription rates start at £65. Subscription records are maintained at CDS Global, helicopter that provides its passengers with Tower House, Lathkill Street, Sovereign Park, a mission-specific interface become reality? Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9EF, UK. Air Business Ltd is acting as mailing agent. Peter Donaldson finds out. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of The Shephard Press Ltd and may IN THE NEXT ISSUE not be reproduced in any form without the written 33 Smoother, better, Poland focus permission of the publishers. No responsibility can be accepted for loss of or damage to uncommissioned faster, stronger Helicopter upgrades photographs or manuscripts. Rotor blade development activity plays a Future of VTOL vital part in the overall evolution of a DTP by Vivid Associates Ltd, Sutton, Surrey, UK Ground support Printed by Williams Press, Maidenhead, UK helicopter’s capabilities. Jonathan Tringham © The Shephard Press Ltd, 2014 examines industry’s current work. ISSN 1741-6043 Subscriptions Shephard’s aerospace and defence publishing portfolio incorporates seven titles: Defence Helicopter, Digital Battlespace, International Maritime & Port Security, Land The Shephard Press Ltd Warfare International, Military Logistics International, Rotorhub and Unmanned Vehicles. 268 Bath Road, Slough, Berks, SL1 4DX, UK Published bi-monthly or quarterly, each is respected and renowned for covering Tel: +44 1753 727001 global issues within its respective industry sector. Fax: +44 1753 727002 For more information, including editorial content of the current issues visit: shephardmedia.com/magazines. www.rotorhub.com Subscribe today via: www.subscription.co.uk/shephard or +44 (0)1858 438879 www.rotorhub.com Volume 33 Number 4 | July/August 2014 | Defence Helicopter 1 DH_JulAug14_p01_Contents.indd 1 02/07/2014 11:22:09 Meeting your operational needs is our mission IAI - for superior helicopter upgrades and maintenance • Modular integrated upgrade packages tailored to day/night missions • Optimized integration of advanced mission equipment and sensors • Mission-driven displays and controls for enhanced air crew performance • Comprehensive helicopter support SEE US AT www.iai.co.il FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW 2014 [email protected] DH_JulAug14_p02.indd 2 02/07/2014 11:25:05 COMMENT NH90 nears maturity, but is the aircraft still too complex? IF A CAMEL IS A HORSE DESIGNED BY fly-by-wire system with the automatic flight committee, then the NH90 medium helicopter controls was very reliable and supported us to must be a development programme drafted in the greatest possible extent. Coming from the a lunatic asylum. UH-1s, which are a very old, basic system, the While the eventual establishment of six step to the NH90 was quite a large one. The production sites must have been politically fly-by-wire helped us achieve this big expedient at the time of the programme’s challenge,’ Eggert explained. inception, the creation of so many different Not that the deployment hasn’t been variants of the aircraft – at the last count without its hiccups. The NH90’s digital moving standing at 26 across 13 customers – has map required an upgrade in-theatre in undoubtedly hamstrung the NH90’s smooth order for it to work properly, while there were entry into service. also issues with the aircraft’s environmental Progress is being made, however, as control system. I witnessed during a visit to Bückeburg With Germany deploying the type earlier Air Base in Germany for the annual NH90 than some helicopter chiefs were probably User Conference. comfortable with due to political pressure, A handover ceremony for an NH90 TTH to it’s hardly surprising that niggling issues were the Belgian Armed Forces during the event discovered in-theatre. Indeed, Eggert was marked the 200th delivery, while the entire complimentary about the response from fleet has now chalked up 50,000 flight hours, NHIndustries in coming up with a solution including on operations in Afghanistan with for each. configuration – but it will be based on a Italy and Germany. single basis,’ NHI president Vincent Dubrule The well-publicised teething problems STANDARD BASELINE said. across the various nations – floors that warped, So after hearing the evidence of one outwardly The company is also looking at the future engine trouble, an inconsistent supply chain, satisfied customer, can we confidently say that upgrades required to keep the type current. problems with the aircraft’s digital map, the NH90 programme has turned a corner, These include increasing the operational corrosion issues (see p5) – have now largely especially as the momentum of deployments availability of the fleet, the introduction of been overcome. Indeed, with a few exceptions and flight hours begins to divert attention from new data links, enhanced communication (I’m talking about you here, Norway) all aircraft the number of outstanding issues? systems to handle ever increasing amounts of currently rolling off the production lines are in Certainly, one positive development that was information and a ‘strong request’ from several full operational configuration. announced during the user conference was the nations for an improved EO/IR sensor. In addition, Germany now has some solid move towards a standard baseline that will be While the provision of a ready upgrade path experience from operating four of the aircraft offered to future customers, with the current should
Load more

Recommended publications
  • During Obangame Express 2015, Nigerian Forces Conduct Bilateral Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure Training Aboard the USS Spearhead
    AUTHOR Kenan O’Connor During Obangame Express 2015, Nigerian forces conduct bilateral visit, board, search, and seizure training aboard the USS Spearhead. The Spearhead was deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the international collaborative capacity- building program Africa Partnership Station. 70 | FEATURES PRISM 6, NO. 1 Implementing the Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority in Europe and Africa BY VICE ADMIRAL JAMES G. FOGGO III, USN, AND ERIC THOMPSON merica’s security interests have always extended beyond its own shores—and the U.S. Navy has always defended that security at home and abroad. From the earliest days of A the Republic, the waters of Europe and Africa have been critical to U.S. security. In 1775, John Paul Jones sailed into harm’s way with one of our first frigates—USS Bonhomme Richard—to defeat the British warship HMS Serapis. That pitched battle ended with the sinking of the Bonhomme Richard but also with the capture of the Serapis as an American prize. Later, in the early 1800s, Lt. Stephen Decatur fought numerous naval battles off North Africa against the Barbary pirates, most notably in Tripoli, Libya. Throughout the next century, the U.S. Navy played a key role in the defeat of Germany in World War I and World War II. During the Cold War, the Navy was on the front lines, meeting the challenges of the Soviet Union, and thus playing a key role in its ultimate defeat and dissolution. The waters of Europe and Africa are still critical to U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Security & Defence European
    a 7.90 D 14974 E D European & Security ES & Defence 6/2019 International Security and Defence Journal COUNTRY FOCUS: AUSTRIA ISSN 1617-7983 • Heavy Lift Helicopters • Russian Nuclear Strategy • UAS for Reconnaissance and • NATO Military Engineering CoE Surveillance www.euro-sd.com • Airborne Early Warning • • Royal Norwegian Navy • Brazilian Army • UAS Detection • Cockpit Technology • Swiss “Air2030” Programme Developments • CBRN Decontamination June 2019 • CASEVAC/MEDEVAC Aircraft • Serbian Defence Exports Politics · Armed Forces · Procurement · Technology ANYTHING. In operations, the Eurofighter Typhoon is the proven choice of Air Forces. Unparalleled reliability and a continuous capability evolution across all domains mean that the Eurofighter Typhoon will play a vital role for decades to come. Air dominance. We make it fly. airbus.com Editorial Europe Needs More Pragmatism The elections to the European Parliament in May were beset with more paradoxes than they have ever been. The strongest party which will take its seats in the plenary chambers in Brus- sels (and, as an expensive anachronism, also in Strasbourg), albeit only for a brief period, is the Brexit Party, with 29 seats, whose programme is implicit in their name. Although EU institutions across the entire continent are challenged in terms of their public acceptance, in many countries the election has been fought with a very great deal of emotion, as if the day of reckoning is dawning, on which decisions will be All or Nothing. Some have raised concerns about the prosperous “European Project”, which they see as in dire need of rescue from malevolent sceptics. Others have painted an image of the decline of the West, which would inevitably come about if Brussels were to be allowed to continue on its present course.
    [Show full text]
  • Editor Dino Carrara Visited RAF Leuchars to Hear How the RAF's Most Recent Front-Line Squadron to Be Equipped with the T
    1(FIGHTER) SQUADRON’S NEW ERA Editor Dino Carrara visited RAF Leuchars to hear how the RAF’s most recent front-line squadron Above: The Officer Commanding 1(F) to be equipped Squadron, Wg Cdr Mark Flewin. RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2012 - SAC Helen Rimmer with the Typhoon Left: RAF Leuchars’ two Typhoon units, 1(F) and 6 Squadrons, share the QRA has achieved a commitment at the base. Sometimes they also come together for deployments, such as the joint detachment to Exercise lot in a short Red Flag. These two Typhoons, one from each squadron, are shown over the space of time. HAS site used by 1(F) Sqn at Leuchars. Geoffrey Lee/Planefocus n September 15, 2012 the RAF’s 1(Fighter) Squadron re- from the facilities and ramp of the co-located unit. Then on January 7, However, it wasn’t long before the squadron was expanding its horizons Programme [TLP, run by ten NATO air forces and held at Albacete Air formed flying the Eurofighter Typhoon at RAF Leuchars in 2013 it moved to the hardened aircraft shelter (HAS) complex on the and taking part in an Advanced Tactical Leadership Course (ATLC) in Base in Spain] because of the number of assets that are available in Fife during the base’s airshow. The squadron’s last mount south-east corner of the airfield, previously used by the Tornado F3s November 2012 at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, whilst theatre and the diversity of air assets involved. Having a lot of aircraft in Owas the Harrier GR9 with which it flew its final sortie from of 111(F) Sqn.
    [Show full text]
  • Abstract Effect of Interactional
    ABSTRACT Title of thesis: EFFECT OF INTERACTIONAL AERODYNAMICS ON COMPUTATIONAL AEROACOUSTICS OF SIKORSKY'S NOTIONAL X2 PLATFORM Ian Kevin Bahr Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering, 2020 Thesis directed by: Professor James Baeder A. James Clark School of Engineering Department of Aerospace Engineering An in-house acoustics code, ACUM, was used in conjunction with full vehicle CFD/CSD coupling to create a computational aeroacoustic framework to investigate the effect of aerodynamic interactions on the acoustic prediction of a compound coaxial helicopter. The full vehicle CFD/CSD was accomplished by using a high- fidelity computational fluid dynamics framework, HPCMP CREATETM-AV Helios, combined with an in-house computational structural dynamics solver to simulate the helicopter in steady forward flight. A notional X2TD helicopter consisting of a coaxial rotor, airframe and pusher propeller was used and split into three simulation cases: isolated coaxial and propeller, airframe and full helicopter configuration to investigate each component's affect on the others noise as well as the total noise. The primary impact on the acoustic prediction was the inclusion of the airframe in the CFD simulation as it affected both coaxial rotors as well as the propeller. It was found that the propeller and coaxial rotors had negligible impact on each other. EFFECT OF INTERACTIONAL AERODYNAMICS ON COMPUTATIONAL AEROACOUSTICS OF SIKORSKY'S NOTIONAL X2 PLATFORM by Ian Kevin Bahr Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Maryland, College Park in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science 2020 Advisory Committee: Dr. James Baeder, Chair/Advisor Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • AHS -- Future of Vertical Flight
    The Future of Vertical Flight www.tinyurl.com/VFS-Heli-Expo-2020 Mike Hirschberg, Executive Director The Vertical Flight Society www.vtol.org • [email protected] © Vertical Flight Society: CC-BY-SA 4.0 www.vtol.org ▪ The international professional society for those working to advance vertical flight – Founded in 1943 as the American Helicopter Society (AHS) – Everything from VTOL MAVs/UAS to helicopters, eVTOL, etc. ▪ Expands knowledge about vertical flight technology and promotes its application around the world CFD of Joby S4, Aug 2015 ▪ Advances safety and acceptability ▪ Advocates for vertical flight R&D funding ▪ Helps educate and support today’s and tomorrow’s vertical flight engineers and leaders ▪ Brings together the community — industry, academia and government agencies — to tackle the toughest challenges Join us today: www.vtol.org VFF Scholarship Winners at Forum 71, May 2015 © Vertical Flight Society: CC-BY-SA 4.0 2 www.vtol.org ▪ VFS has a long history of advocacy and leadership – Helped establish NASA-Army Joint Office, Nat’l Rotorcraft Technology Center (NRTC), Centers of Excellence, RITA/VLC – Worked with NASA and DoD to save the NFAC wind tunnel ▪ Provided major support to transformative initiatives NFAC 40 ft x 80 ft wind tunnel Courtesy of NASA – Joint Strike Fighter/F-35B STOVL Lightning II – V-22 Osprey tiltrotor ▪ Providing major foundational support to new transformative initiatives – Future Vertical Lift (FVL)/Joint Multi-Role (JMR) – Electric and hybrid-electric VTOL (eVTOL) Future Vertical Lift (FVL) VFS Works
    [Show full text]
  • Global Military Helicopters 2015-16 Market Report Contents
    GLOBAL MILITARY HELICOPTERS 2015-16 MARKET REPORT CONTENTS MARKET OVERVIEW 2 MILITARY HELICOPTER KEY REQUIREMENTS 4 EUROPE 5 NORTH AMERICA 10 LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN 12 AFRICA 15 ASIA-PACIFIC 16 MIDDLE EAST 21 WORLD MILITARY HELICOPTER HOLDINGS 23 EUROPE 24 NORTH AMERICA 34 LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN 36 AFRICA 43 ASIA-PACIFIC 49 MIDDLE EAST 59 EVENT INFORMATION 65 Please note that all information herein is subject to change. Defence IQ endeavours to ensure accuracy wherever possible, but errors are often unavoidable. We encourage readers to contact us if they note any need for amendments or updates. We accept no responsibility for the use or application of this information. We suggest that readers contact the specific government and military programme offices if seeking to confirm the reliability of any data. 1 MARKET OVERVIEW Broadly speaking, the global helicopter market is currently facing a two- pronged assault. The military helicopter segment has been impacted significantly by continued defense budgetary pressures across most traditional markets, and a recent slide in global crude oil prices has impacted the demand for new civil helicopters as well as the level of activity for existing fleets engaged in the offshore oil & gas exploration sector. This situation has impacted industry OEMs significantly, many of which had been working towards strengthening the civil helicopter segment to partially offset the impact of budgetary cuts on the military segment. However, the medium- to long-term view of the market is promising given the presence of strong fundamentals and persistent, sustainable growth drivers. The market for military helicopters in particular is set to cross a technological threshold in the form of next-generation compound helicopters and tilt rotorcraft.
    [Show full text]
  • Powerpoint Template with New NAHEMA Logo
    5 & 6 OCTOBER 2016 LISBON, PORTUGAL 1. NH90 programme 2. JMAAN organization 3. EMAR Transition for NH90 (EMAR-T) 4. Conclusion NATO UNCLASSIFIED 2 1. NH90 programme 2. JMAAN organization 3. EMAR Transition for NH90 (EMAR-T) 4. Conclusion NATO UNCLASSIFIED 3 Corporate Identity: NAHEMO is a subsidiary body of NATO NAHEMA is the international programme office of NAHEMO Established: In 1992, in Aix-en-Provence (France) in vicinity of industrial consortium NHIndustries Mission: Management of the NH90 programme on behalf of the NAHEMO Nations, during the design & development, production & post-design and in-service support phases NATO UNCLASSIFIED 4 1 product: NH90 2 Versions: TTH, NFH >20 Variants: TGEA, GITA, TFRA, HITN, NBEN, NNLN, … Customer: NAHEMA 11 Nations: BEL, DEU, FRA, ITA, NLD, AUS, ESP, FIN, NOR, NZL, SWE, (GRC, OMN) Contractor: NHIndustries 4 Industries: AH, AHD, FK, LHD Design & Development (D&D) development of two versions TTH and NFH signed in 1992 Export Production Investment/ Production (PIP) production of the serial helicopters in different variants signed in 2000 (25 Contract Amendments so far) first serial helicopter delivered in 2006 (IOC) and 2012 (FOC) In-service support more than 240 helicopter in service with over 100k logged flight hours NATO UNCLASSIFIED 5 1. NH90 programme 2. JMAAN organization 3. EMAR Transition for NH90 (EMAR-T) 4. Conclusion NATO UNCLASSIFIED 6 JMAAN is a body of the NH90 Community JMAAN regulates all processes in the field of: • Military Design Organisation Approval • Rule-making
    [Show full text]
  • Weapon System of Choice 38 New Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft for the Luftwaffe 2021 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 2021 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 3
    PROGRAMME NEWS & FEATURES JANUARY 2021 Chain Reaction Pilot Brief: Interoperability Eurofighter and FCAS Weapon System of Choice 38 new Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft for the Luftwaffe 2021 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 2021 · EUROFIGHTER WORLD 3 Contents Programme News & Features January 2021 Welcome 4 Weapon System of Choice Airbus’ Head of Combat Aircraft Systems Kurt Rossner discusses the full implications of Germany’s decision to replace its existing Tranche 1 aircraft under the Quadriga programme. Cover: © Picture: images.art.design. GmbH, 12 Chain Reaction Lucas Westphal We speak to four businesses across Europe about the importance of the Eurofighter Typhoon programme for the Looking back, 2020 was a year few of us will ever The Eurofighter programme supports over 400 business- defence industry and the enriched technology capabilities forget. Because of the impact of the Covid-19 es across Europe, sustaining more than 100,000 jobs. it has helped bring about. pandemic we all faced huge professional and personal That’s why in this edition we shine the spotlight on some Eurofighter World is published by challenges. What stood out for me was the way every- of those supply chain businesses. Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH 18 Mission Future: Eurofighter and FCAS one involved in the Eurofighter project worked closer PR & Communications In the first of series of exclusive articles our experts exam- together than ever before to deliver. Elsewhere in the magazine we examine Eurofighter’s Am Söldnermoos 17, 85399 Hallbergmoos [email protected] ine Eurofighter’s place alongside a next generation fighter place alongside a next gen- in the future operating environment. Germany’s decision to replace eration fighter in the future Editorial Team Tony Garner its existing Tranche 1 aircraft battlespace.
    [Show full text]
  • Rotorcraft (2011)
    Rotorcraft Overview The rotorcraft industry produces aircraft, powered by either turboshaft or reciprocating engines, capable of performing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) operations. The rotorcraft sector includes helicopters, gyrocopters, and tiltrotor aircraft. Helicopters, which employ a horizontal rotor for both lift and propulsion, are the mainstay of the industry. Gyrocopters are produced in much smaller quantities, primarily for use in recreational flying. Tiltrotor aircraft, such as the V-22 Osprey1, can take off vertically and then fly horizontally as a fixed-wing aircraft. Rotorcraft are manufactured in most industrialized countries, based on indigenous design or in collaboration with, or under license from, other manufacturers. Manufacturers in the United States of civilian helicopters include American Eurocopter, Bell, Enstrom, Kaman, MD Helicopters, Robinson, Schweizer (now a subsidiary of Sikorsky), and Sikorsky. Bell moved its civilian helicopter production to Canada, with the last U.S. product completed in 1993.2 American Eurocopter—a subsidiary of the European manufacturer and subsidiary of EADS NV—has manufacturing and assembly facilities in Grand Prairie, Texas and Columbus, Missouri. European producers include AgustaWestland, Eurocopter, NHIndustries, and PZL Swidnik. Russian manufacturers including Mil Moscow, Kamov and Kazan helicopters, as well as a number of other rotorcraft related companies, have been consolidated under the Russian government majority-owned OAO OPK Oboronprom.3 (See this report’s Russia
    [Show full text]
  • Design and Performance of Lift-Offset Rotorcraft for Short-Haul Missions
    Design and Performance of Lift-Offset Rotorcraft for Short-Haul Missions Wayne Johnson Aeromechanics Branch National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California [email protected] Alex M. Moodie and Hyeonsoo Yeo Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AMRDEC) U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California [email protected], [email protected] ABSTRACT The design and performance of compound helicopters utilizing lift-offset rotors are examined, in the context of short-haul, medium-size civil and military missions. The analysis tools used are the comprehensive analysis CAMRAD II and the sizing code NDARC. Following correlation of the comprehensive analysis with existing lift-offset aircraft flight test data, the rotor performance model for the sizing code was developed, and an initial estimate was made of the rotor size and key hover and cruise flight conditions. The rotor planform and twist were optimized for those conditions, and the sizing code rotor performance model updated. Two models for estimating the blade and hub weight of lift-offset rotors are discussed. The civil and military missions are described, along with the aircraft design assumptions. The aircraft are sized for 30 passengers or 6600 lb payload, with a range of 300 nm. Civil and military aircraft designs are described for each of the rotor weight models. Disk loading and blade loading were varied to optimize the designs, based on gross weight and fuel burn. The influence of technology is shown, in terms of rotor hub drag and rotor weight. and the rotor efficiency and lift capability steadily INTRODUCTION.
    [Show full text]
  • Over Thirty Years After the Wright Brothers
    ver thirty years after the Wright Brothers absolutely right in terms of a so-called “pure” helicop- attained powered, heavier-than-air, fixed-wing ter. However, the quest for speed in rotary-wing flight Oflight in the United States, Germany astounded drove designers to consider another option: the com- the world in 1936 with demonstrations of the vertical pound helicopter. flight capabilities of the side-by-side rotor Focke Fw 61, The definition of a “compound helicopter” is open to which eclipsed all previous attempts at controlled verti- debate (see sidebar). Although many contend that aug- cal flight. However, even its overall performance was mented forward propulsion is all that is necessary to modest, particularly with regards to forward speed. Even place a helicopter in the “compound” category, others after Igor Sikorsky perfected the now-classic configura- insist that it need only possess some form of augment- tion of a large single main rotor and a smaller anti- ed lift, or that it must have both. Focusing on what torque tail rotor a few years later, speed was still limited could be called “propulsive compounds,” the following in comparison to that of the helicopter’s fixed-wing pages provide a broad overview of the different helicop- brethren. Although Sikorsky’s basic design withstood ters that have been flown over the years with some sort the test of time and became the dominant helicopter of auxiliary propulsion unit: one or more propellers or configuration worldwide (approximately 95% today), jet engines. This survey also gives a brief look at the all helicopters currently in service suffer from one pri- ways in which different manufacturers have chosen to mary limitation: the inability to achieve forward speeds approach the problem of increased forward speed while much greater than 200 kt (230 mph).
    [Show full text]
  • View Orignal Article
    Lynx on the Prowl! The Augusta Westland Lynx by Tiro Vorster, ASAA Story by Pieter Cronjé, photographs by Irene McCullagh “Lynx on the Prowl” —The Agusta The Lynx is shown in its typical oil paintings, several hundred Westland Lynx by Tiro Vorster maritime role, fully equipped and de - sketches and gouache works all came A.S.A.A., Cape Town, South Africa scending from a threatening grey sky together in the Lynx work. onto its “prey” on the heaving ocean His painting has captured a stormy Having flown in helicopters for below, rotors whirling, wi“nds buffet - day around the Cape of Storms at the many years in war and peace, having ing. southern tip of Africa. The Lynx is at painted four on large canvas as well as Having painted four to five days home here patrolling, undertaking dozens of fixed wing aircraft, Tiro every week over five months and three search and rescue missions and ready Vorster A.S.A.A. from Cape Town, weeks, Tiro (age 70) says: This is the to use its armoury should this ever be South Africa, is convinced helicopters most difficult painting I have ever needed. are the most difficult aircraft to paint. done, with the most detail and need - The fully marinised airframe, two Born of an idea after a successful ing the most paint!” All his years as LHTEC engines producing 1575 shaft art exhibition at Air Force Base Yster - flight engineer on the Alouette III hel - horsepower each, a maximum cruise plaat in Cape Town, Tiro’s latest oil icopter (959 flying hours) and Shack - speed of 157 knots and 2 hours and 30 painting of the Agusta Westland Super leton maritime patrol aircraft, a minutes endurance enable this multi- SUMMER 2014 AERO BRUSH 3Ly2n x 300, entitled “Lynx on the Prowl”, lifetime studying manuals, books, pic - purpose helicopter to operate from dominates his living room.
    [Show full text]