Height-Velocity Test AH-1G Helicopter.

Abstract

The AH-1G height-velocity (H-V) flight test program was conducted at auxiliary test sites near Shafter and Bishop, California. The objective of this program was to develop an operational AH-1G H-V envelope for incorporation into the operator's manual. Near maximum performance H-V envelopes were determined for two gross weights at each of two density altitudes. Operational H-V envelopes were defined from the test data and are valid for all gross weights up to 8300 pounds at density altitudes of sea level and 5500 feet. Although the operational envelopes allow an adequate safety margin, the operational aviator requires additional training to accomplish the specified performance. This training should consist of autorotational entries at all airspeeds for low skid heights and airspeeds below 60 knots for high skid heights. Further AH-1G H-V testing should be conducted to: define the H-V envelopes at gross weights between 8300 and 9500 pounds; determine the autorotational characteristics following a sudden engine failure while accelerating through the recommended takeoff corridor; accurately determine the amount of altitude lost in accelerating to forward airspeed, as a function of pitch rates and pitch attitudes; and to provide data for analysis of skid height above the ground versus advance ratio and density ratio. The operational H-V envelopes and recommended pilot techniques presented in this report should be incorporated into the operator's manual at the earliest possible date. The related information presently in the operator's manual is inaccurate, incomplete and dangerously misleading.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0881633

Entities

People

  • Edward E. Bailes
  • Gregory W. Condon
  • William J. Connor Jr

Organizations

  • Edwards Air Force Base

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Airspeed
  • Altitude
  • California
  • Helicopters
  • Mach Number
  • Motion
  • Physical Properties
  • Sea Level
  • Speed
  • Training

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering