Tilt Rotor Unmanned Air Vehicle System (TRUS) Demonstrator Flight Test Program

摘要

The Tilt Rotor UAV System flight demonstration program commenced in July 1993 andconcluded with conversion to airplane mode and a level flight speed of 160 kts in February 1994. The purpose of the flight tests was to evaluate the utility of Tilt Rotor UAV technology in order to develop requirements for a Government maritime system. The TRUS program was divided into three test phases; Ground, Helicopter Mode, and Conversion to Airplane Mode. Helicopter Mode testing occurred at the contractor's facilities in Fort Worth, TX over two periods and consisted of fourteen flights totaling 3.0 flight-hours. During phase II, the aircraft conducted IGE (In Ground Effect) and OGE (Out Ground Effect) hovers, longitudinal and lateral translations at up to 20 kts, as well as pitch, roll, and yaw control response testing. Handling qualities during the takeoff and landing flight regimes were also assessed.