Eurocopter Increases Research Into Environmentally-Friendly Helos

One of the world's leading helicopter manufacturer is determined to develop the greenest possible range of aircraft -- as recent research activities show.
 
For several years, Eurocopter has carried out research as part of the Optimal and Friendcopter program primarily concerned with the reduction of noise pollution.

Research has determined this can be done through reduction of aerodynamic noise through the development of active noise control systems for main rotors and reduction of engine noise through studies on engine integration, the shape, position and design of tail pipes and the air intake.

Significant efforts are also being devoted to developing quieter flight procedures. A major flight test campaign was performed with an EC130 in 2007 to test a wide array of situations – including takeoffs, approaches and cruising. This work earned the team international recognition in the form of the Cheeseman prize for ‘best helicopter-related technical publication’, which was presented at last year’s European Rotorcraft Forum in Kazan, Russia and at the American Helicopter Society Forum in Montreal, Canada. Similar tests are currently being conducted using an EC135 and are being accompanied by the development of a software tool called HELENA (HELicopter Environmental Noise Analysis) that predicts noise footprints and will help to define procedures that can be adapted to every helicopter type.

Eurocopter is playing a major role in the European Clean Sky program, which was officially launched on 5 February 2008, and which is of interest to the entire aeronautical industry. Clean Sky has defined six research platforms or ITDs (Integrated Technology Demonstrators), including the Green Rotorcraft platform, which is specifically devoted to helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft. Certain research activities also cross over: the Systems for Green Operations ITD covers electrical power systems; the Eco-Design ITD concerns the complete industrial cycle; and part of the Sustainable and Green Engines ITD focuses on the design of turbine engines for helicopters.

All of this research work aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions -- through reductions in fuel consumption -- to reduce noise and to create a green product life cycle; from manufacturing until the aircraft is recycled at the end of its service life. To ensure this green life cycle, Eurocopter’s aims to comply as fully and as quickly as possible with REACH, a European Community regulation, which aims to restrict the use of harmful chemical or toxic substances throughout the helicopter maintenance and production processes.

In addition to the work on aircraft design, further research will focus on the operational use of helicopters, developing means for crews to optimize trajectories and favor quieter and more energy-efficient flight conditions.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com