Engineering Flight Test of the Production OH-6A Helicopter with Fairings Removed
Abstract
Flight tests were conducted to determine the effects on performance and flying qualities with various fairings removed from the OH-6A helicopter. The fairings removed were the lower anticollision light cover, the main rotor blade root end fairings, the main rotor center hub fairing and the landing gear strut fairings. Individually removing the lower anticollision light cover, the main rotor blade root end fairings and the main rotor center hub fairing did not significantly affect the performance of the helicopter; however, removing the landing gear strut fairings resulted in a definite decrease in performance. The performance in all fairings removed configuration was also significantly decreased. Stability and control tests were conducted in the all fairings removed configuration. Slight changes in control positions were evident but no major effects on flying qualities were observed. From a performance and flying qualities standpoint, it is feasible to operate the helicopter with these fairings removed. Although the performance changes are relatively small, allowances should be made in mission planning for all fairings removed and skid strut fairings removed configurations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0859433
Entities
People
- Marvin W. Buss
Organizations
- Edwards Air Force Base