Evaluation of ADS-33E-PRF Cargo Mission Requirements - CH-53G Flight Tests -

Abstract

Flight tests with a German Army Sikorsky CH-53G transport helicopter were conducted from mid 2004 till 2006 in Germany under the U.S./German Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperative Research in Helicopter Aeromechanics. The objective of this test was to evaluate the applicability of the U.S. Army Aeronautical Design Standard-33E-PRF (ADS-33E-PRF) cargo mission requirements. The tests were conducted by the Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 61 (WTD 61, the German Army Technical and Airworthiness Test Center for Aircraft and Aeronautical Equipment), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and the U.S. Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AMRDEC AFDD). Quantitative data for hover and 100 knots forward flight were gathered. Five test pilots flew thirteen Mission Task Elements in good visual environment and returned Handling Qualities Ratings, including the evaluation of handling qualities with an externally slung load. The results suggest there are no tandem rotor biases built into the ADS-33 cargo-class requirements. Additional research is recommended to refine the roll axis requirements for future cargo rotorcraft. Modifications to six test maneuvers are proposed.