The United States Army Aviation Engineering Flight Activity conducted a Preliminary Airworthiness Evaluation of the AH-1S helicopter with OGEE tip-shape main rotor blades to determine if any improvement in performance or handling qualities resulted from replacing the K747 blades. Additionally, the acoustics signature of the OGEE blades were measured by the US Army Research and Technology Laboratories (Aeromechanics Lab). Tests were conducted at Edwards Air Force Base (elevation 2302 feet) and Coyote Flats (elevation 9980 feet), California from 1 November 1979 through 8 April 1980. Forty-five test flights were flown for a total of 36.6 productive hours (63.2 total hours). Both hover and level flight performance were degraded by installation of OGEE tip-shape main rotor blades. Low-speed handling qualities were unaffected by the OGEE blades. Other handling qualities tests were not accomplished. Results of acoustics tests will be reported by the laboratories under a separate cover. (Author)
Preliminary Airworthiness Evaluation AH-1S Helicopter with OGEE Tip Shape Rotor Blades
1980
40 pages
Report
No indication
English
Aircraft , Aeronautics , Rotor blades(Rotary wings) , Curved profiles , Attack helicopters , Flight testing , Airworthiness , Handling , Hovering , Level flight , Low velocity , Aerodynamic characteristics , Degradation , Acoustic signatures , Army aircraft , Ogee forms , Blade tips , H-1 aircraft , AH-1S aircraft , K-747 blades