Radiated Electric Field Measurements in U.S. Army Helicopters
Abstract
Aircraft systems and medical devices generate electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can cause faulty operation of aircraft systems or medical devices and endanger patients or aircraft crewmembers. An in- flight study was conducted to describe the electromagnetic fields in typical operations with U.S. Army helicopters. Broadband isotropic field sensors measured electric fields from 5 kHz to 3 MHz, 3 to 500 MHz, and 0.5 MHz to 6 GHz. Fields were measured at 0.5 m intervals in JOH-58A, JUH-1H, and JUH-60A helicopters with systems off, operating RPM, 5-foot hover, 50-foot hover, and cruise. Environment electric fields were homogeneous and less than 0.1 V/m. Helicopter fields increased during ascent, but remained less than 2 V/m except during radio transmissions. EMI was demonstrated during FM radio transmission on the Physio Control Lifepak 8. The results are useful in evaluating electromagnetic emissions from medical devices and predicting operations that may result in in-flight malfunction of a medical device.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA249634
Entities
People
- James E. Bruckart
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab