Evaluation of an OH-58A Helicopter with an Allison 250-C20B Engine
Abstract
The United States Army Aviation Engineering Flight Activity conducted a limited performance and handling qualities evaluation of a Bell Helicopter Company OH-58A helicopter with an Allison 250-C20B engine installed. The evaluation was conducted at Edwards Air Force Base and Bishop, California, from 17 October through 6 December 1974. Twenty-two flights with 17.6 productive test hours were required for the evaluation. Test results obtained with the Allison 250-C20B engine were compared with those previously obtained with the Allison 250-C20 engine and the standard T63-A-700 engine. Primary performance improvement over the standard T63-A-700 engine was an increase in out-of-ground- effect hover ceiling from 4600 to 11,050 feet standard-day density altitude at a gross weight of 3000 pounds. One deficiency and five shortcomings were noted. Unsatisfactory handling qualities characteristics are inherent to the basic OH- 58A helicopter and are not associated with the installation of the 250-C20B engine. The engine/airframe compatibility characteristics (cooling and vibration levels) of the OH-58A helicopter with the 250-C20B engine are similar to the standard OH-58A helicopter with the T63-A-700 engine. Within the scope of the test, the performance of the OH-58A helicopter with an Allison 250-C20B engine installed was improved over the basic OH-58A helicopter. Handling qualities were essentially unchanged.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA013861
Entities
People
- Carl F. Mittag
- James E. Jenks Jr.
- Robert M. Buckanin
- Tom P. Benson