Accession Number:

ADA175349

Title:

Airworthiness and Flight Characteristics Test (A&FC) of the BHTI (Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.) 214ST Helicopter

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 1 Jul-27 Aug 1985

Corporate Author:

ARMY AVIATION ENGINEERING FLIGHT ACTIVITY EDWARDS AFB CA

Personal Author(s):

• Williams, Robert A.
• Cason, Randall W.
• Buckanin, Robert M.

Report Date:

1986-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

180.0

Abstract:

The Airworthiness and Flight Characteristics Test of the Bell 214ST helicopter SN N3186W was conducted by the US Army Aviation Engineering Flight Activity USAAEFA. The test was conducted at Edwards Air Force Base elevation 2302 feet, Bakersfield elevation 488 feet, Bishop elevation 4120 feet and Coyote Flats elevation 9980 feet, California. A total of 62.6 hours 27.5 productive hours were flown between 1 July and 27 August 1985. Hover, level flight and autorotational descent performance tests were conducted. Handling qualities tests included static and dynamic stability, maneuvering stability, power management, systems failures, mission maneuvers and flight in simulated Instrument Meteorological Conditions IMC. The airspeed for best glide distance determined from the autorotational descent performance test results of this evaluation was significantly less than the best glide distance airspeed presented in the flight manual. The out-of-ground effect hover test results when compared to the flight manual indicated less hover capability at standard day conditions and altitude below 8060 feet but better hover capability at higher altitudes. The maximum difference between the flight manual and the test results of this evaluation was 250 pounds, below 8060 feet. Two major conclusions reached were the 214ST is an excellent IMC aircraft with its IMC capabilities exceeding those of any US Army helicopters and its cockpit design significantly reduces pilot workload in most modes of flight.

Descriptors:

• *AIRWORTHINESS
• *FLIGHT TESTING
• *HELICOPTERS
• AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS
• AIRCRAFT
• AIRSPEED
• ARMY AIRCRAFT
• CALIFORNIA
• COCKPITS
• DAY
• DYNAMICS
• FLIGHT
• HIGH ALTITUDE
• HOVERING
• INSTRUMENTATION
• LEVEL FLIGHT
• MANAGEMENT
• MANEUVERABILITY
• MANEUVERS
• MANUALS
• METEOROLOGY
• MISSIONS
• PILOTS
• POWER
• SIMULATION
• STABILITY
• WORKLOAD

Subject Categories:

• Helicopters
• Test Facilities, Equipment and Methods

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE