Accession Number:

ADA289986

Title:

Rotorcraft Crashworthy Airframe and Fuel System Technology Development Program.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.,

Corporate Author:

SIMULA INC PHOENIX AZ

Personal Author(s):

• Coltman, Joseph W.

Report Date:

1994-10-01

Pagination or Media Count:

175.0

Abstract:

A research program was initiated by the Federal Aviation Administration FAA Technical Center to investigate crash resistance design technology applicable to U.S. civil rotorcraft. The purpose of the program was to identify crash resistance design technology consistent with rotorcraft type, primary use, and the expected crash environments for civil helicopters. The program examined crash resistance technology for landing gear, fuselage structure, seating systems, and fuel systems. A trade-off study was conducted to identify an optimum level of crash resistance for three weight classes of civil rotorcraft. The results of the research program were a series of crash impact design and test criteria for civil rotorcraft, as well as an assessment of the weight penalties that would be incurred in meeting these criteria. The program was conducted by Simula Inc. with assistance from Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. and Sikorsky Aircraft. MM

Descriptors:

• *FUEL SYSTEMS
• *HELICOPTERS
• *CRASHWORTHINESS
• *CRASH RESISTANCE
• COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT
• AIRCRAFT ENGINES
• COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
• ROTOR BLADES(ROTARY WINGS)
• IMPACT STRENGTH
• FUSELAGES
• AIRFRAMES
• AVIATION ACCIDENTS
• CIVIL AVIATION
• DESIGN CRITERIA
• AVIATION SAFETY
• LANDING GEAR
• AVIATION INJURIES

Subject Categories:

• Helicopters
• Commercial and General Aviation

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE