Environmental Assessment in the UH-1Y and AH-1Z

The United States Marine Corps USMC Upgrade Program involves the remanufacture of all light/attack helicopters in the fleet to extend their service-life into the year 2020. In order to assess whether air quality was favorable for aircrew in the UH-1Y and AH-1Z aircraft, levels of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons were measured during ground and flight operations. In the past, cockpit gas detection during flight was prohibitive, due to detector size and the resulting inability to mount sensors on aircrew. In this report, a novel method for measurement of combustion gases during ground and flight operations is discussed. Commercially-available man-mounted sensors provide crucial cockpit air quality data in an unobtrusive manner, while eliminating the need for mounting equipment inside the aircraft, possible alteration of airframe, and reducing the risk of interference and injury to aircrew. Cockpit air-quality findings are discussed and recommendations are made to mitigate risk to aircrew.