Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gxg78 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-26T17:37:50.988Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The Development and Flight Testing of Helicopters

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

G. J. Sarsted  and
A. V. Coles
G. J. Sarsted
Affiliation:
Helicopter Division, Bristol Aircraft Ltd.
A. V. Coles
Affiliation:
Helicopter Division, Bristol Aircraft Ltd.
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Summary

The successful development of a helicopter and its introduction into service may be influenced by several factors but a well co-ordinated development programme is by far the most important. A practical and realistic balance between representative ground tests and the subsequent flight proving is essential if the project is to be completed within a reasonable budget and time scale. The two parts of this paper cover these phases and aim to show how they are related in a particular development programme. The use of major fully representative ground rigs is discussed in relation to pre-flight functioning and fatigue life assessment; this is followed by the initial flight trials and finally the structural and performance clearance of the helicopter over its full design envelope. Although the tests and techniques described are generally applicable, the examples quoted relate to the Bristol Type 192, tandem rotor helicopter. The opinions expressed are personal and do not necessarily represent those of the Bristol Aircraft Limited.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 64 , Issue 592 , April 1960 , pp. 211 - 223
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1960

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Howarth, R. M. and Jones, C. H. (1954). Ground Reson ance of the Helicopter. Journal of the Helicopter Associa tion of Great Britain, April 1954.Google Scholar
2.Hooper, W. E. (1959). Helicopter Ground Resonance— The Effect of Rotor. Aircraft Engineering, Vol. XXXI, No. 360, February 1959.Google Scholar
3. Reports A. & A.E.E./874/5 Part 1 and A. & A.E.E./874/3 Part 2.Google Scholar
4.Sibley, J. D. and Jones, C. H. (1959). Some Design Aspects of Tandem Rotor Helicopters. Journal of Heli copter Association of Great Britain, October 1959.CrossRefGoogle Scholar