Military Potential Test of the Model 135M Blade Tracker.
Abstract
There has existed for some years a need for a reliable system for tracking Army helicopter rotor blades on the ground and in flight under day and night VFR conditions. The electronic rotor-blade tracking equipment in use today requires an extensive amount of depot maintenance and is limited to ground tracking. In addition, the equipment is unreliable during inclement weather and night operation. In an attempt to solve this problem, a Model 135M Blade Tracker was sent to the US Army Aviation Test Board (USAAVNTBD) for testing. To determine whether the Model 135M Blade Tracker has military potential for use in tracking Army helicopter rotor blades on the ground and in flight under day and night VFR conditions. The test item, as adapted, operated satisfactorily for tracking CH-47A Helicopter rotor blades on the ground and in flight under day and night VFR conditions. The system had a concentrated parallel light beam of such intensity that tracking was accomplished during daylight at any positions other than directly into the sun. At night, there was an over-abundance of light.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 19, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA031183