Helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter and Lord (Stand C10-13, Aerospace USA Pavilion, Hall 4) completed qualification of an anti-vibration system for the Eurocopter EC225/725 on the eve of the show.
The medium-sized, twin-engined EC225/725 is the latest in Eurocopter's Cougar line. It first flew in late 2000 and initial production deliveries, to the French armed forces, are due later this year. The type is certificated for both military (EC725) and civil uses (EC225).
Lord and Eurocopter jointly developed the active vibration-control system (AVCS) for EC225/725. The system's processor analyses vibration levels received from sensors positioned throughout the aircraft. It then reacts in real time to counteract the vibration by sending signals to actuators throughout the airframe.
Eurocopter developed the algorithm and controller card and Lord, a highly efficient power amplifier and inertial actuators.
The result is a solution offering significant weight savings and improved performance compared with traditional passive vibration-absorbers, the companies say.
Combining AVCS with our brand new five-bladed Spherifles rotor design, we have now reached comfort levels never before seen on this class of aircraft," says Tomasz Krysinski, head of Eurocopter's environment and vibration team.
Source: Flight Daily News
