Lift Performance Indicator System Feasibility Study.

摘要

This report presents the results of a study that was conducted to determine the feasibility of a helicopter lift performance indicator (LPI) system that would inform the pilot of the likelihood of a successful takeoff and landing before committing the aircraft to flight. The study includes the determination of the functional requirements (including accuracy) for an LPI system. Four specific helicopters were considered: CH-47C, CH-54B, UH-1H, and UH-60A (UTTAS). The LPI system should be capable of informing the pilot of the vehicle's hovering capabilities (both in and out of ground effect), vertical and best-airspeed climb capabilities, and several other performance measures (essentially the same type of information as contained in the performance section of the operator's manual for the vehicle). This information should be selectable for real-time and remote-site conditions (input by the pilot), for both single and dual engine operation, and for maximum and normal rated power conditions. Wind velocity effects should be included. Generating this information in advance of lift-off requires that actual vehicle weight be measured. The system should also compute center of gravity from measured weight because of its impact on performance capability and its importance with respect to cargo positioning.