Rotorcraft Crashworthy Airframe and Fuel System Technology Development Program.

Abstract : A research program was initiated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Center to investigate crash resistance design technology applicable to U.S. civil rotorcraft. The purpose of the program was to identify crash resistance design technology consistent with rotorcraft type, primary use, and the expected crash environments for civil helicopters. The program examined crash resistance technology for landing gear, fuselage structure, seating systems, and fuel systems. A trade-off study was conducted to identify an optimum level of crash resistance for three weight classes of civil rotorcraft. The results of the research program were a series of crash impact design and test criteria for civil rotorcraft, as well as an assessment of the weight penalties that would be incurred in meeting these criteria. The program was conducted by Simula Inc. with assistance from Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. and Sikorsky Aircraft. (MM)