Survey and Analysis of Rotorcraft Flotation Systems

摘要

The primary goals of this study were (1) to evaluate rotorcraft flotation systemperformance in water related incidents and accidents and (2) to identify areas of potential improvements of rotorcraft flotation system operation and occupant fatality reduction. Four tasks were conducted: a survey of both civilian and U.S. Navy rotorcraft flotation technology, a review of civilian flotation accident and incident data, definition of generic flotation system improvements, and evaluation of available analytical methods for assessing flotation system performance. This study suggested upgrades of the civil regulations and potential design improvements to current deployable flotation systems. Further development work is required to determine the effectiveness of the proposed design improvements. Existing analytical methods for four significant aspects of the water landing sequence were described.