Accession Number:

ADA002077

Title:

Natural Icing Tests. UH-1H Helicopter.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.,

Corporate Author:

ARMY AVIATION SYSTEMS TEST ACTIVITY EDWARDS AFB CA

Personal Author(s):

• Griffith, Warren E., II
• Hanks, Marvin L.
• Mittag, Carl F.
• Reid, James S.

Report Date:

1974-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

37.0

Abstract:

A limited evaluation of the capability of a modified UH-1H helicopter to fly in a natural icing environment was conducted at Fort Lewis, Washington, from 5 February through 23 February 1974. Testing was performed by the United States Army Aviation Systems Test Activity and consisted of 1.7 hours in icing conditions. During this test, four enhancing features, one deficiency, and one shortcoming were noted. There were four enhancing features associated with special equipment. The deficiency is the inability to maintain autorotational rotor speed within operational limits with main rotor ice accumulation. The striking of the tail rotor by the oscillating iced FM antenna is a shortcoming. Based on these tests, artificial icing characteristics observed in previous UH-1H icing tests are representative of natural icing characteristics. The UH-1H helicopter does not possess the capability to operate safely in an icing environment.

Descriptors:

• *ICE FORMATION
• *HELICOPTERS
• HELICOPTER ROTORS
• DEFICIENCIES
• AIRCRAFT ANTENNAS
• ICE PREVENTION
• ICE FORMATION INDICATORS

Subject Categories:

• Military Aircraft Operations
• Helicopters

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE