The United States Army Aviation Systems Test Activity conducted engineering flight tests to determine the operational height-velocity envelopes of the AH-1G helicopter at 9000 and 9500 pounds gross weight. This report constitutes the low elevation part of the evaluation conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, California, from 14 November 1973 through 5 February 1974. Operational height-velocity envelopes were defined from test data, are valid for 9000 and 9500 pounds at density altitudes up to 1000 feet, and represent combinations of airspeed and height above ground level where a straight-ahead landing may be accomplished following an engine failure. Autorotational landings at gross weights over 9250 pounds will probably result in rotor overspeed and the height above ground level at which the flare is executed becomes more critical as gross weight is increased to 9500 pounds. The operator's manual lacks clarity in describing pilot techniques to be used during the height-velocity maneuver and needs improvement in other areas. The height-velocity diagram developed during this evaluation, a discussion of the height-velocity diagram, a more thorough discussion of pilot techniques, the correct airspeed calibration chart, and the hog configuration descent performance chart should be incorporated in the operator's manual. A radio altimeter should be installed as standard equipment on the AH-1G helicopter. (Author)
Height-Velocity Test AH-1G Helicopter at Heavy Gross Weight. Part I. Low Elevation
1974
51 pages
Report
No indication
English