Eurocopter's Research Activities on All-Weather Helicopters

摘要

In the Eurocopter Group two research programs in the field of all-weather capability for helicopters are funded by the governmental agencies. In Germany the research project "All-weather Capability for Rescue Helicopters" (AWRH) is funded by the German aerospace research programme LuFo of the German ministry of economy. The French research project which is called "Helicoptere Tout Temps" (HTT) is funded by the DGAC (the National Civil Aviation Agency). Both programmes are harmonized with respect to target mission profiles, target environmental conditions, and target system concept. The aim of these research and technology projects is to enable helicopters especially rescue and transport helicopters to perform their typical missions in bad weather conditions with low visibility in a similar way as under the current visual flight rules (VFR). A typical "Future HEMS Mission" is described in the paper, where the pilots will be guided and supported by appropriate sensors, precision navigation and a new Human-Machine-Interface (HMI). The Eurocopter Group is in discussion with the certification authorities to obtain acceptance of all-weather flights based on those advanced avionic systems. To evaluate this "Future HEMS Mission" two testbeds have been equipped with sensors, navigation means and a special HMI. Results from the flight tests show the needs and requirements to perform such missions.