Development of the Ballistic Subsystem for an In-Flight Escape System for the AH-1 Cobra Helicopter.

摘要

The Naval Surface Weapons Center,Dahlgren Laboratory,was responsible for development of the ballistic subsystem of an in-flight extraction escape system which is to be retrofitted into the AH-1helicopter. Work was done in the following areas of the ballistic subsystem: (1) rotor blade severance; (2) canopy jettison; (3) gunsight retraction; (4) launcher for the extraction rocket; (5) lap belt release;and (6) initiation,sequencing and energy transfer. Also a computer program was prepared to simulate the extraction of the crewmen from the stricken helicopter. It was demonstrated that (1) the canopy can be jettisoned at aircraft speeds up to 170knots; (2) rotating rotor blades can be severed both in a hover mode and at 150knots forward speed;and (3) the extraction rocket can be launched successfully at speeds up to 150knots. The trajectories of the crewmen were mathematically simulated and data generated were used in extraction tests. A design of an initiation,sequencing and energy transfer assembly was prepared using off-the-shelf components where possible. The design of the assembly will allow it to be retrofitted into the AH-1with minimum changes required to the aircraft. (Author)