STUDY TO DETERMINE THE CHARACTERISTIC SHAPES OF HELICOPTER VISUAL APPROACH PROFILES

Prior to this study, the characteristic shape of visual approach profiles had not been formally documented. In this study, over 200 visual approaches were flown using different helicopter types, test subjects, and initial conditions, and the altitude and groundspeed profiles were measured by a precision tracking radar. The data from each approach were then processed, and the characteristic shape of the altitude, groundspeed, and deceleration profiles was determined for each set of initial conditions. These flight data were processed further using graphical analysis techniques and parameterization which, in turn, led to developing closed-form equations that accurately describe the characteristic groundspeed and deceleration profiles. Results from this study can be used to select instrument approach profiles, to develop instrument approach control laws, and to define the corresponding hardware requirements.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Helicopter Society

  30 East 42nd Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017
• Authors:
  • Moen, G C
  • Dicarlo, D J
  • Yenni, K R
• Publication Date: 1977-4

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 12-20
• Serial:
  • American Helicopter Society, Journal of
  • Volume: 22
  • Issue Number: N2
  • Publisher: American Helicopter Society

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Altitude; Deceleration; Graphics; Ground speed; Helicopters; Instrument landing systems; Mathematical models
• Old TRIS Terms: Deceleration rate; Graphic methods; Instrument approach; Visual approach profiles
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Design;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00172810
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 28 1978 12:00AM