Abstract:
An aircraft load management system that determines the position of an aircraft cargo hook for display to an aircrew. The cargo hook positional information may alternatively or additionally be communicated directly to a flight control system and a winch control system to automate and coordinate flight control inputs with winch operation to actively position the cargo hook. Data transfer from the cargo through a data link system also provides the load management system with exact position of the cargo load connection points even prior to attachment of the cargo hook to the load. The load management system also includes anti-sway algorithms for active load stability inputs to the flight control system and to alter flight control laws and automatically compensate for CG. excursions.
Abstract:
An aircraft includes an airframe having an extending tail, a counter rotating, coaxial main rotor assembly disposed at the airframe including an upper rotor assembly and a lower rotor assembly and a translational thrust system positioned at the extending tail and providing translational thrust to the airframe. A flight control computer is configured to control a main rotor rotational speed of the upper and the lower rotor assemblies of the main rotor assembly as a function of airspeed of the aircraft. A method of operating an aircraft includes retrieving a threshold main rotor rotational speed of the dual coaxial main rotor assembly and calculating an actual main rotor rotational speed according to an environment of the aircraft. The actual main rotor rotational speed is maintained to remain at or below the threshold main rotor speed according to an airspeed of the aircraft.
Abstract:
An aircraft is provided including an airframe, an extending tail, one or more engines supported by the airframe, and a counter rotating, coaxial main rotor assembly including an upper rotor assembly and a lower rotor assembly. A translational thrust system positioned at the extending tail. The translational thrust system providing translational thrust to the airframe. A gearbox configured to transfer power from the engine to the main rotor assembly. A flight control computer to independently control one or more of the engine, the upper rotor assembly, the lower rotor assembly, and the translational thrust system. The flight control computer, in response to at least one control command, engages or disengages the translational thrust system, while maintaining controlled powered flight.
Abstract:
A method of controlling a rotary wing aircraft includes accelerating the aircraft in a fore direction independently of cyclic control of the main rotor and pitch of the aircraft.
Abstract:
An aircraft load management system determines a cargo through a wireless communication system to rapidly position the cargo. RFID emitter tags on each piece of cargo are triangulated relative to an aircraft internal cargo bay. Real time cargo position information is displayed to facilitate direction of drivers, loadmasters and aircrew. Cargo data is also relayed to onboard systems for mission planning, and for communication to a global information network to prioritize cargo delivery and dynamic mission re-planning. Even prior to onloading, cargo data is wirelessly communicated to the load management system to automatically plan the cargo load sequence. The load management system also autonomously loads remote controlled ground vehicles and equipment through communication therewith.