Accession Number:

ADA090431

Title:

Status of Improved Autorotative Landing Capability Research,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

ARMY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY LABS FORT EUSTIS VA APPLIED TECHNOLOGY LAB

Personal Author(s):

• Pleasants,William A. , III
• White,G. Thomas , III

Report Date:

1980-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

19.0

Abstract:

While the frequency of all emergency autorotative landings i.e., rate per 100,000 flight hours has decreased over the past several years for Army single-engine fleet helicopters, the percentage of unsuccessful landings resulting from emergency autorotations has remained relatively high. United States Army Safety Center accident statistics reveal that at least 30 percent of all emergency autorotative landings involving AH-1, UH-1, OH-58, and OH-6A helicopters result in some degree of vehicle damage or personnel injury. These statistics further indicate that the probability of each of these helicopters experiencing at least one emergency autorotation accident during an assumed 10,000-hour service life is as follows OH-694.0, AH-177.5, OH-5876.3, and UH-163.3. Recent design studies and supplementary research of previously documented findings indicate that it is possible to significantly improve helicopter autorotation capability and reduce demands on pilot skill through helicopter rotor energy augmenting concepts. This paper discusses results of current studies as well as an outline for future in-depth research.

Descriptors:

• *HELICOPTERS
• *AVIATION ACCIDENTS
• *AUTOROTATION
• OPTIMIZATION
• EMERGENCIES
• PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING)
• STATISTICAL DATA
• ENERGY
• FLIGHT
• LOW LEVEL
• EQUATIONS
• AIRCRAFT LANDINGS

Subject Categories:

• Helicopters

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE