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At least 37 records · Page 2

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NASA NTRS1993

L-Band Mobile Terminal Antennas for Helicopters

The feasibility of using a low gain antenna (LGA) as a mobile terminal antenna for helicopters is described in this paper. The objectives are 1) to select the lowest cost antenna system which can be easily mounted on a helicopter and capable of communicating with a satellite, and 2) to determine the best antenna position on the helicopter to mitigate the signal blockage due to rotor blades and the multipath effect from the helicopter's body. The omni-directional low gain antenna (LGA) is selected because it is simple, reliable, and low cost. The helix antenna is selected among the many LGAs because it is the most economical one and has the widest elevation beamwidth. Both 2-arm and 4-arm helices are studied experimentally to determine the antenna's performance and the scattering effects from the helicopter's body. It is found that the LGA should be located near the tail section and at least 8 inches above the helicopter.

helicopter↗

NASA NTRS1973

Results of the flight noise measurement program using a standard and modified SH-3A helicopter

A field noise measurement program has been conducted using both a standard SH-3A helicopter and an SH-3A helicopter modified to reduce external noise levels. Modifications included reducing rotor speed, increasing the number of rotor blades, modifying the blade-tip shapes, and acoustically treating the engine air intakes and exhaust. The purpose of this study was to document the noise characteristics recorded on the ground of each helicopter during flyby, hover, landing, and take-off operations. Based on an analysis of the measured results, the average of the overhead, overall, ontrack noise levels was approximately 4 db lower for the modified helicopter than for the standard helicopter. The improved in-flight noise characteristics, and associated small footprint areas and time durations, were judged to be mainly due to tail-rotor noise reductions. The noise reductions were obtained at the expense of required power increases at airspeeds greater than 70 knots for the modified helicopter.

Pegg, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Subjective field study of response to impulsive helicopter noise

Subjects, located outdoors and indoors, judged the noisiness and other subjective noise characteristics of flyovers of two helicopters and a propeller driven airplane as part of a study of the effects of impulsiveness on the subjective response to helicopter noise. In the first experiment, the impulsive characteristics of one helicopter was controlled by varying the main rotor speed while maintaining a constant airspeed in level flight. The second experiment which utilized only the helicopters, included descent and level flight operations. The more impulsive helicopter was consistently judged less noisy than the less impulsive helicopter at equal effective perceived noise levels (EPNL). The ability of EPNL to predict noisiness was not improved by the addition of either of two proposed impulse corrections. A subjective measure of impulsiveness, however, which was not significantly related to the proposed impulse corrections, was found to improve the predictive ability of EPNL.

Powell, C. A.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Comparison of predicted engine core noise with proposed FAA helicopter noise certification requirements

Calculated engine core noise levels, based on NASA-Lewis prediction procedures, for five representative helicopter engines are compared with measured total helicopter noise levels and proposed FAA helicopter noise certification requirements. Comparisons are made for level flyover and approach procedures. The measured noise levels are generally significantly greater than those predicted for the core noise levels, except for Sikorsky S-61 and S-64 helicopters. However, the predicted engine core noise levels are generally at or within 3 db of the proposed FAA noise rules. Consequently, helicopter engine core noise can be a significant contributor to the overall helicopter noise signature and, at this time, will provide a limiting floor to a further decrease in future noise regulations.

Vonglahn, U.↗

NASA NTRS1981

ATC simulation of helicopter IFR approaches into major terminal areas using RNAV, MLS, and CDTI

The introduction of independent helicopter IFR routes at hub airports was investigated in a real time air traffic control system simulation involving a piloted helicopter simulator, computer generated air traffic, and air traffic controllers. The helicopter simulator was equipped to fly area navigation (RNAV) routes and microwave landing system approaches. Problems studied included: (1) pilot acceptance of the approach procedure and tracking accuracy; (2) ATC procedures for handling a mix of helicopter and fixed wing traffic; and (3) utility of the cockpit display of traffic information (CDTI) for the helicopter in the hub airport environment. Results indicate that the helicopter routes were acceptable to the subject pilots and were noninterfering with fixed wing traffic. Merging and spacing maneuvers using CDTI were successfully carried out by the pilots, but controllers had some reservations concerning the acceptability of the CDTI procedures.

Tobias, L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Comparison of predicted engine core noise with proposed FAA helicopter noise certification requirements

Calculated engine core noise levels, based on NASA-Lewis prediction procedures, for five representative helicopter engines are compared with measured total helicopter noise levels and proposed FAA helicopter noise certification requirements. Comparisons are made for level flyover and approach procedures. The measured noise levels are generally significantly greater than those predicted for the core noise levels, except for the Sikorsky S-61 and S-64 helicopters. However, the predicted engine core noise levels are generally at or within 3 dB of the proposed FAA noise rules. Consequently, helicopter engine core noise can be a significant contributor to the overall helicopter noise signature and, at this time, will provide a limiting floor to a further decrease in future noise regulations.

Von Glahn, U.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Helicopter engine core noise

Calculated engine core noise levels, based on NASA Lewis prediction procedures, for five representative helicopter engines are compared with measured total helicopter noise levels and ICAO helicopter noise certification requirements. Comparisons are made for level flyover and approach procedures. The measured noise levels are generally significantly greater than those predicted for the core noise levels, except for the Sikorsky S-61 and S-64 helicopters. However, the predicted engine core noise levels are generally at or within 3 dB of the ICAO noise rules. Consequently, helicopter engine core noise can be a significant contributor to the overall helicopter noise signature.

Vonglahn, U. H.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Optimal landing of a helicopter in autorotation

Gliding descent in autorotation is a maneuver used by helicopter pilots in case of engine failure. The landing of a helicopter in autorotation is formulated as a nonlinear optimal control problem. The OH-58A helicopter was used. Helicopter vertical and horizontal velocities, vertical and horizontal displacement, and the rotor angle speed were modeled. An empirical approximation for the induced veloctiy in the vortex-ring state were provided. The cost function of the optimal control problem is a weighted sum of the squared horizontal and vertical components of the helicopter velocity at touchdown. Optimal trajectories are calculated for entry conditions well within the horizontal-vertical restriction curve, with the helicopter initially in hover or forwared flight. The resultant two-point boundary value problem with path equality constraints was successfully solved using the Sequential Gradient Restoration Technique.

Lee, A. Y. N.↗

NASA NTRS1986

New capabilities and recent research programs of the NASA/Army CH-47B variable-stability helicopter

The CH-47B is the third in a series of variable-stability helicopters developed and operated by NASA since 1952 to investigate helicopter and VTOL handling qualities. Recently, several new capabilities were added to this helicopter to enable it to better support new and evolving research requirements. The installation of a programmable force-feel system for the evaluation pilot's conventional cyclic stick, and a four-axis side-stick controller permit a range of in-flight investigations concerning manipulator characteristics and augmentation system features that had not been possible with earlier NASA research helicopters. A recently installed color electronic display system with a programmable symbol generator will permit the investigation of display formats for a variety of VTOL and helicopter missions. Finally, a powerful new general-purpose flight computer is now in operation. It is programmable in high-level languages and will provide more efficient support of research programs. In addition to these new hardware capabilities, flight-control software has been developed to improve the in-flight simulation capability of the aircraft. A brief description of the CH-47B's variable-stability research equipment is provided, recent research programs are summarized, and some remarks concerning the potential of the helicopter are presented.

Hindson, W. S.↗

NASA NTRS1989

The prediction of the noise generating mechanisms of an Aerospatiale 365N-1 Dauphin helicopter

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is engaged in a joint program with the U.S. helicopter industry to develop a full system helicopter noise prediction computer program called ROTONET. The long term goal of the system is to achieve the ability to predict a helicopter noise signature from the basic input of helicopter geometry and operating condition data. It is being developed in phases, with each phase representing an increase in sophistication. NASA is also performing a series of flight tests to provide a validation data base for the ROTONET System. A joint NASA/U.S. Army test of an Aerospatiale 365N-1 Dauphin helicopter is an element of the series. A comprehensive data base of spectra, noise level time histories, and effective perceived noise levels, incorporating actual meteorological conditions and helicopter dynamics, was produced from this test. Comparisons are made of predictions of the individual source generating mechanisms from the ROTONET System with data from the Aerospatiale 365N-1 Dauphin flyover test. EPNL and noise level time history comparisons demonstrate the overall capabilities of the prediction system. Graphs of 1/3 octave band noise spectra of experimental data and prediction allow identification of the dominant noise prediction mechanisms for various frequencies, directivity angles, and operating conditions.

Weir, Donald S.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Mobile terminal antennas for helicopters

In this paper, the feasibility of using an L-band low gain antenna (LGA) as a mobile terminal antenna for helicopters is described. The objective is to select the lowest cost antenna system which can be easily mounted on a helicopter and capable of communicating with a geosynchronous satellite. To ensure that all the antenna options are being considered, the steerable high gain reflector and medium gain array antennas as well as LGA are studied and compared in an exhaustive survey. The high gain reflector antenna in L-band is usually very large in size and heavy in weight. In addition, a bulky and expensive tracking system is needed to steer the antenna beam to the satellite direction. The medium gain antennas (including mechanically and electronically steered arrays) are also more expensive and less reliable than an LGA due to the addition of a beam steering system to track the satellite. The omni-directional LGA is simple, reliable, and inexpensive. It is typically ten times smaller than the medium gain antenna. This makes the position, selection, and mounting on the helicopter relatively easier. Therefore, the LGA is selected as a mobile terminal antenna for helicopters. Among the many LGA's (cross-dipole, helix, spiral, and slot antennas), the helix antenna is the most inexpensive. One can also change the size, shape, or pitch angle of the helix to optimize the gain in the desired direction. Therefore, the helix antenna is selected for further study. Both 2-arm and 4-arm helices are studied theoretically and experimentally to determine the antenna's performance and the scattering effects from the helicopter body and the blades. The multipath, Doppler, and Doppler rate issues as well as the periodic fading effects caused by the helicopter rotor blades will be briefly discussed in the paper.

Wu, Te-Kao↗

NASA NTRS1993

L-band mobile terminal antennas for helicopters

The feasibility of using a low gain antenna (LGA) as a mobile terminal antenna for a helicopter is described in this paper. The objectives are to select the lowest cost antenna system which can be easily mounted on a helicopter and capable of communicating with a satellite, and to determine the best antenna position on the helicopter to mitigate the signal blockage due to rotor blades and the multipath effect from the helicopter's body. The omnidirectional LGA is selected because it is simple, reliable, and low cost. The helix antenna is selected among the many LGA's because it is the most economical one and has the widest elevation beamwidth. Both 2-arm and 4-arm helices are studied experimentally to determine the antenna's performance and the scattering effects from the helicopter's body. It is found that the LGA should be located near the tail section and at least eight inches above the helicopter.

Wu, T. K.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Flight Testing and Real-Time System Identification Analysis of a UH-60A Black Hawk Helicopter with an Instrumented External Sling Load

Helicopter external air transportation plays an important role in today's world. For both military and civilian helicopters, external sling load operations offer an efficient and expedient method of handling heavy, oversized cargo. With the ability to reach areas otherwise inaccessible by ground transportation, helicopter external load operations are conducted in industries such as logging, construction, and fire fighting, as well as in support of military tactical transport missions. Historically, helicopter and load combinations have been qualified through flight testing, requiring considerable time and cost. With advancements in simulation and flight test techniques there is potential to substantially reduce costs and increase the safety of helicopter sling load certification. Validated simulation tools make possible accurate prediction of operational flight characteristics before initial flight tests. Real time analysis of test data improves the safety and efficiency of the testing programs. To advance these concepts, the U.S. Army and NASA, in cooperation with the Israeli Air Force and Technion, under a Memorandum of Agreement, seek to develop and validate a numerical model of the UH-60 with sling load and demonstrate a method of near real time flight test analysis. This thesis presents results from flight tests of a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter with various external loads. Tests were conducted as the U.S. first phase of this MOA task. The primary load was a container express box (CONEX) which contained a compact instrumentation package. The flights covered the airspeed range from hover to 70 knots. Primary maneuvers were pitch and roll frequency sweeps, steps, and doublets. Results of the test determined the effect of the suspended load on both the aircraft's handling qualities and its control system's stability margins. Included were calculations of the stability characteristics of the load's pendular motion. Utilizing CIFER(R) software, a method for near-real time system identification was also demonstrated during the flight test program.

McCoy, Allen H.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Optimal Trajectories and Control Strategies for the Helicopter in One-Engine-Inoperative Terminal-Area Operations

Engine failure represents a major safety concern to helicopter operations, especially in the critical flight phases of takeoff and landing from/to small, confined areas. As a result, the JAA and FAA both certificate a transport helicopter as either Category-A or Category-B according to the ability to continue its operations following engine failures. A Category-B helicopter must be able to land safely in the event of one or all engine failures. There is no requirement, however, for continued flight capability. In contrast, Category-A certification, which applies to multi-engine transport helicopters with independent engine systems, requires that they continue the flight with one engine inoperative (OEI). These stringent requirements, while permitting its operations from rooftops and oil rigs and flight to areas where no emergency landing sites are available, restrict the payload of a Category-A transport helicopter to a value safe for continued flight as well as for landing with one engine inoperative. The current certification process involves extensive flight tests, which are potentially dangerous, costly, and time consuming. These tests require the pilot to simulate engine failures at increasingly critical conditions, Flight manuals based on these tests tend to provide very conservative recommendations with regard to maximum takeoff weight or required runway length. There are very few theoretical studies on this subject to identify the fundamental parameters and tradeoff factors involved. Furthermore, a capability for real-time generation of OEI optimal trajectories is very desirable for providing timely cockpit display guidance to assist the pilot in reducing his workload and to increase safety in a consistent and reliable manner. A joint research program involving NASA Ames Research Center, the FAA, and the University of Minnesota is being conducted to determine OEI optimal control strategies and the associated optimal,trajectories for continued takeoff (CTO), rejected takeoff (RTO), balked landing (BL), and continued landing (CL) for a twin engine helicopter in both VTOL and STOL terminal-area operations. This proposed paper will present the problem formulation, the optimal control solution methods, and the key results of the trajectory optimization studies for both STOL and VTOL OEI operations. In addition, new results concerning the recently developed methodology, which enable a real-time generation of optimal OEI trajectories, will be presented in the paper. This new real-time capability was developed to support the second piloted simulator investigation on cockpit displays for Category-A operations being scheduled for the NASA Ames Vertical Motion Simulator in June-August of 1995. The first VMS simulation was conducted in 1994 and reported.

Chen, Robert T. N.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Measurement and Characterization of Helicopter Noise in Steady-State and Maneuvering Flight

A special acoustic flight test program was performed on the Bell 206B helicopter outfitted with an in-flight microphone boom/array attached to the helicopter while simultaneous acoustic measurements were made using a linear ground array of microphones arranged to be perpendicular to the flight path. Air and ground noise measurements were made in steady-state longitudinal and steady turning flight, and during selected dynamic maneuvers. Special instrumentation, including direct measurement of the helicopter s longitudinal tip-path-plane (TPP) angle, Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and Inertial Navigation Unit (INU) measurements, and a pursuit guidance display were used to measure important noise controlling parameters and to make the task of flying precise operating conditions and flight track easier for the pilot. Special care was also made to test only in very low winds. The resulting acoustic data is of relatively high quality and shows the value of carefully monitoring and controlling the helicopter s performance state. This paper has shown experimentally, that microphones close to the helicopter can be used to estimate the specific noise sources that radiate to the far field, if the microphones are positioned correctly relative to the noise source. Directivity patterns for steady, turning flight were also developed, for the first time, and connected to the turning performance of the helicopter. Some of the acoustic benefits of combining normally separated flight segments (i.e. an accelerated segment and a descending segment) were also demonstrated.

Schmitz, Fredric H.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Comparison of Test Stand and Helicopter Oil Cooler Bearing Condition Indicators

The focus of this paper was to compare the performance of HUMS condition indicators (CI) when detecting a bearing fault in a test stand or on a helicopter. This study compared data from two sources: first, CI data collected from accelerometers installed on two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters when oil cooler bearing faults occurred, along with data from helicopters with no bearing faults; and second, CI data that was collected from ten cooler bearings, healthy and faulted, that were removed from fielded helicopters and installed in a test stand. A method using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves to compare CI performance was demonstrated. Results indicated the bearing energy CI responded differently for the helicopter and the test stand. Future research is required if test stand data is to be used validate condition indicator performance on a helicopter.

Dempsey, Paula J.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Estimating Helicopter Noise Abatement Information with Machine Learning

Machine learning techniques are applied to the NASA Langley Research Center's expansive database of helicopter noise measurements containing over 1500 steady flight conditions for ten different helicopters. These techniques are then used to develop models capable of predicting the operating conditions under which significant Blade-Vortex Interaction noise will be generated for any conventional helicopter. A measure for quantifying the overall ground noise exposure of a particular helicopter operating condition is developed. This measure is then used to classify the measured flight conditions as noisy or not-noisy. These data are then parameterized on a nondimensional basis that defines the main rotor operating condition and are then scaled to remove bias. Several machine learning methods are then applied to these data. The developed models show good accuracy in identifying the noisy operating region for helicopters not included in the training data set. Noisy regions are accurately identified for a variety of different helicopters. One of these models is applied to estimate changes in the noisy operating region as vehicle drag and ambient atmospheric conditions are varied.

Greenwood, Eric↗

NASA NTRS2023

Effects of Ambient Conditions on Helicopter Harmonic Noise Radiation: Theory and Experiment

The effects of ambient atmospheric conditions, air temperature, and density on rotor harmonic noise radiation are characterized using theoretical models and experimental measurements of helicopter noise collected at three different test sites at elevations ranging from sea level to 7000 ft above sea level. Significant changes in the thickness, loading, and blade–vortex interaction noise levels and radiation directions are observed across the different test sites for an AS350 helicopter flying at the same indicated airspeed and gross weight. However, the radiated noise is shown to scale with ambient pressure when the flight condition of the helicopter is defined in nondimensional terms. Although the effective tip Mach number is identified as the primary governing parameter for thickness noise, the nondimensional weight coefficient also impacts lower harmonic loading noise levels, which contribute strongly to low-frequency harmonic noise radiation both in and out of the plane of the horizon. Strategies for maintaining the same nondimensional rotor operating condition under different ambient conditions are developed using an analytical model of single main rotor helicopter trim and confirmed using a CAMRAD II model of the AS350 helicopter. The ability of the Fundamental Rotorcraft Acoustics Modeling from Experiments (FRAME) technique to generalize noise measurements made under one set of ambient conditions to make accurate noise predictions under other ambient conditions is also validated.

rotorcraft↗