Eurocopter is adopting a four-pronged approach to research into future rotorcraft technologies, targeting reductions in development time, operating cost, noise and pilot workload as its priorities.
The Franco-German manufacturer says its 'virtual helicopter' effort will centre on a much shorter research and development programme for new helicopters, with far greater use of 3D modelling and simulation.
Eurocopter plans to harness computational fluid dynamics, already widely used in commercial transport aircraft, to reduce the need for windtunnel testing and use the latest modelling techniques to drive efficient vehicle design.
Studies into reduced operational and maintenance costs are being grouped under the umbrella of the 'economic helicopter'. Eurocopter says wider use of composite structures coupled with a next-generation rotor concept will be at the heart of this work.
It is undertaking an Advanced Technology Rotor (ATR) research programme to develop the aerodynamics and structure of the bearingless main rotor of the EC135 for five blades. A second-generation gearbox is in the pipeline for integration on the EC155.
The third strand of research is the so-called 'neighbourly helicopter' which concentrates on a much reduced noise signature using active rotor control and reduced internal noise and vibration.
Finally, the manufacturer is studying ease of use. A key objective is to increase the rate of use by 50% and to cut crew workload. Part of this effort is research into an all-weather capability using various artificial sight systems based on digital topography databases. It also includes work to introduce an intelligent flight management system, allowing more routine tasks to be automated. Two demonstrators are being used for in-flight experimentation - one based on the BK117 and one derived from the EC155.
Eurocopter says it is studying the best way forward for rotorcraft to be integrated into the scheduled air transport control system. It plans to propose specific ATC procedures for rotorcraft, including IFR simultaneous non-interfering approaches.
Source: Flight Daily News
