The United States Army Aviation Engineering Flight Activity conducted a limited evaluation of the level flight performance and handling qualities of a YAH-1Q helicopter with a flat-plate canopy from 17 through 19 June 1975 at the Bell Helicopter Company flight test facility at Arlington, Texas. During the test program, eleven flights for a total of 4.4 productive hours were flown. A loss in maximum airspeed for level flight was determined when compared to the AH-1G (Bell Helicopter Company data indicate 5 to 7 knots). The primary effect of the flat-plate canopy on handling qualities was a noticeable decrease in directional stability. The one deficiency determined during the evaluation was the internal reflection from external light sources on the flat-plate canopy during night flight. Five shortcomings were noted during the evaluation. Further testing should be conducted to determine the effect of the decreased directional stability on the accuracy of rocket fire.
Army Preliminary Evaluation YAH-IQ Helicopter with a Flat-Plate Canopy
1975
40 pages
Report
No indication
English