Performance Tests of a MARS-Modified HH-53C Helicopter

Abstract

This report presents the results of tests to determine the performance characteristics of a MARS (Mid Air Retrieval System) -modified HH- 53C helicopter in the clean loading and with the AQM-34L, AQM-34R and AQM-91A drones in tow. No unusual handling qualities were noted when smooth, coordinated flight techniques were used. Hover performance with the AQM-91A drone in tow was unchanged from that of the clean MARS-modified HH-53C when hovering in ground effect. Power required to hover out of ground effect was increased four to six percent by the effects of the AQM-91A in tow. Level flight performance comparisons between the clean MARS-configured HH-53C and the same aircraft with each of the drones in tow revealed a decrease in average maximum nautical air miles per pound of fuel of approximately 12 percent with the AQM-34L drone, 13 percent with the AQM-34R drone, and 34 percent with the AQM-91A drone.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0915034

Entities

People

  • Charles R. Dunn
  • Timothy P. Nasal

Organizations

  • Air Force Test Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Configurations
  • Air Force
  • Air Temperature
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Altitude
  • Blade Tips
  • Control Systems
  • Free Flight
  • Fuels
  • Helicopters
  • Mach Number
  • Nose Wheels
  • Performance Tests
  • Radar Altimeters
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Materials Science.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy