Future Rotorcraft Requirements

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Kurzfassung

Many of the helicopters operated today can trace their origins back to designs which were produced 30 or even 50 years ago. The basic layout of the helicopter has not significantly changed in all of that time. The fundamental rotor system limitations due to advancing tip Mach number and retreating blade stall are ever present. The most significant recent change in rotorcraft has been the development of tilt-rotor technology. The introduction of the V-22 Osprey and its success on operations has shown the potential for tilt-rotor platforms to offer effective lift capability with increased range and speed compared to conventional helicopters. Meanwhile, the first commercial civil tilt-rotor, the AW609, continues towards certification. Other new technology is emerging which offers the potential to overcome many of the limitations currently experienced with helicopters. These include platform concept demonstration programs which have emerged in the United States and Europe such as the Joint Multi Role technology demonstrator programme led by the US Army, the X3 compound helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters, the X2 and S-97 aircraft developed by Sikorsky and AgustaWestland's project zero electric powered unmanned vehicle. The utility of efficient and effective vertical take-off and landing (vertical lift) has been re-affirmed in recent operations. Now, with rotorcraft development on the edge of an exciting new period there is an opportunity to shape the rotorcraft requirements and provide guidance on future roles and functions, against which the next generation of platforms will be designed. This should ensure availability of effective and affordable rotorcraft to support military operations with efficient vertical lift when the current generation of helicopters reaches their out of service dates.

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• Future Rotorcraft Requirements. (deposited 13 Sep 2017 16:35) [Gegenwärtig angezeigt]