AGARD Flight Test Techniques Series. Volume 12. The Principles of Flight Test Assessment of Flight-Safety-Critical Systems in Helicopters (Les Principes de l'Evaluation, dans le Cadre des Essais en Vol, des Systemes Indispensables a la Securite de Vol des Helicopteres)

Abstract

Modern helicopters usually incorporate many engineering systems (including pilot aiding systems such as autostabilisers and flight directors) which are essential to the safe and effective use of the helicopter. Where the helicopter can be endangered by failure of a system (or of one of its units), that system is termed flight safety critical. In general, the use of those systems should not incur a higher probability of hazard to the helicopter than that considered acceptable from considerations of structural or mechanical failure. In assessing the suitability of a helicopter for its intended mission(s), it has become increasingly important to consider the effects of the various systems provided. In particular, assessments of the implications of systems performance and failures derived from calculation and ground tests should be validated by flight tests. This paper seeks to establish the general principles applicable to the testing in flight of any flight safety critical system, with emphasis on certification rather than system development. It does not deal with the testing of particular systems, but it is hoped that readers will find the principles described readily applicable to specific cases.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA296890

Entities

Organizations

  • AGARD

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acceptability
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Control Systems
  • Engineering
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Flight Control Systems
  • Flight Paths
  • Flight Testing
  • Measurement
  • Nato
  • Performance Tests
  • Safety
  • Safety Engineering
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) EDI Research and Innovation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design