Accession Number:

ADA326082

Title:

Lightweight Emergency Flotation System for the CH-46 Helicopter.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. Sep 79-Jan 81,

Corporate Author:

BOEING VERTOL CO PHILADELPHIA PA

Personal Author(s):

• Reilly, M. J.

Report Date:

1981-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

86.0

Abstract:

Helicopters are subject to roll over and sinking within a minute of being force down in sea states of 2 or greater. Crew egress is difficult and many drownings occur. Boeing was awarded a contract to develop a lightweight, automatically deployed flotation system to remedy the situation. An innovative system was designed which employs water scoops attached to 2 floats providing substantially increased stability for negligible weight. The concept was proven in wave tank tests and by full scale float and deployment system demonstrations.

Descriptors:

• *FLOATS
• *HELICOPTERS
• DEPLOYMENT
• EMERGENCIES
• LIGHTWEIGHT
• AVIATION SAFETY
• SCOOPS
• DITCHING

Subject Categories:

• Escape, Rescue and Survival
• Helicopters

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE