MICHAEL PHELAN / LONDON
Eurocopter hopes to get instrument flight rules eased by demonstrating safer operations with new systems
Eurocopter has flight tested its EC-155B All Weather Helicopter (AWH) demonstrator in what it hopes will be a first step towards easing helicopter operating restrictions.
The 50min flight, from Marignane, France, last month, launched a programme to evaluate the helicopter's navigation, ground collision avoidance and autopilot systems. By demonstrating safer flight operations Eurocopter hopes to get instrument flight rules (IFR) requirements relaxed.
The modified EC155Bis equipped with a differential GPS satellite- navigation system, which communicates with a ground station at Eurocopter's facility to aid local navigation, and a four-axis autopilot allowing steep approaches in zero visibility. Database-stored terrain maps, coupled with the ground collision avoidance system, allow safe en route flight in zero visibility. In the cockpit, two large displays show mission information on a three-dimensional map background. The systems are being tested in flight conditions following simulations.
The manufacturer predicts that the technologies will be incorporated in its helicopters in 2005.
A major hurdle for helicopter IFR operations is that suitably equipped helicopters are often restricted to flight movements and regulations tailored to fixed-wing aircraft, Eurocopter says. Night flights from airports with no dedicated helipad are allowed only from the main runway and helicopters must follow standard departure and instrument landing system approaches.
Eurocopter is hoping that helicopter operational minima can be reduced and operating envelopes extended, as well as permitting operations in icing conditions.
Eurocopter is focusing on five technological areas for the AWH - navigation in zero visibility as far as the descent initiation point; enhanced pilot information displays; take-off/landing aids for steep climb and descent gradients; ground obstacle collision avoidance and economical de-icing solutions.
Source: Flight International
