An Analysis of Thermal Balance in the Cooled Cabin of a Sea King Helicopter,
Abstract
This study arose from problems of excessive cabin temperatures encountered by the Royal Australian Navy during operation of Sea King Mk. 50 helicopters. These high temperatures were producing adverse effects on crew efficiency, particularly during flights of long duration experienced in anti-submarine missions. The Aeronautical Research Laboratories recorded cabin temperatures and humidities in one Sea King helicopter of the RAN fleet over an extended period; these measurements are reported by Rebbechi and Edwards (1979). A preliminary estimate of the cabin heat loads, together with suggestions for partially alleviating the problem, was made by Rebbechi (1977). The conclusions of this earlier work, however, were that an acceptable cabin environment could only be attained by the use of refrigeration to cool the cabin air. A vapour cycle cooling unit was subsequently built by ARL for feasibility studies of cabin cooling, and was flight tested in a Sea King helicopter. These flight trials were intended to establish the cooling capacity required in a permanently fitted installation and to evaluate the overall suitability of electrically powered vapour cycle systems. The results of these trials are reported.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA097199
Entities
People
- Brian Rebbechi