Airworthiness Evaluation NUH-1H Helicopter with Global Positioning System.
Abstract
The United States Army Aviation Engineering Flight Activity conducted a limited airworthiness flight evaluation of an NUH-1H helicopter in which a prototype global positioning system (GPS) was installed. Flight tests were conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, California, between 18 and 27 January 1977. Nine test flights were conducted for a total of 11 productive flight hours. Testing was performed to determine the effect of GPS installation on vibration and pilot-induced oscillation (PIO) characteristics of the NUH-1H helicopter. During this test, one deficiency and one shortcoming were noted. The deficiency was insufficient aft longitudinal control margin in rearward flight. The shortcoming was insufficient directional control margin in hover and low-speed flight. The deficiency and the shortcoming were a result of the gross weight and center of gravity of the helicopter after installation of the GPS, although both were within normal UH-1H operating limits. There was no significant effect on vibration characteristics or increase in PIO tendencies of the NUH-1H as a result of the GPS installation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA047971
Entities
People
- Charles L. Thomas
- Tom P. Benson