Results of full-scale Helicopter Drop Test 2 - Proposals for Drop Test 3

Abstract

Within the EU funded project HeliSafe TA (2004 – 2007), three helicopter drop tests were carried out at CIRA’s test facility LISA. Bell UH-1D helicopters were used in all tests. DLR carried out an extensive evaluation of the drop test results – using the videos and data provided by CIRA as well as the measurements from SRS: The times of the most important occurrences in the drop tests were identified. The events were ordered chronologically and given in 3 different time scales (CIRA, SRS and a scale which uses the moment of the first impact as T = 0 s). Furthermore, DLR developed a data evaluation process which allows • The verification of accelerometer signals • The detection of interchanged signals (X, Z => Z, X) • The calculation of the exact orientation of each accelerometer before the impact • The calculation of the oscillation of the helicopter (change of pitch angle) before the impact The document also includes some proposals for the third drop test, e.g. the change of certain accelerometers positions and suggestions for the position of clinometers. Another proposal is related to the measurement of the helicopter release velocity.