Shown To Generate Big Increase In Hover Weight, Forward Speed

ANN learned this week QinetiQ, in a partnership with the MOD's Joint Test and Evaluation Group (known as ATEC - Aircraft Test & Evaluation Center), recently completed a 12-month, $10.2 million project to increase the capability of the Royal Navy Sea King HC Mk 4 helicopter.

The work, carried out for the Sea King Integrated Project Team (SK IPT) in support of an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR), now enables the Sea King HC Mk 4 to be deployed in support of Operation HERIC in Afghanistan -- providing much needed capability.

The main rotor blades on the aircraft were replaced by modified Carson composite blades, and the tail rotor was replaced by an AgustaWestland 5-bladed tail rotor system. A rigorous and intensive series of performance evaluation and flight testing was then conducted by ATEC using a QinetiQ-owned Sea King test aircraft. The tests confirmed initial predictions the new system generates up to 2000lb increase in maximum hover mass at high altitude, and enables a significant increase in the maximum forward speed.

Carson blades first came to the MOD's attention six years ago during a Sea King maintenance symposium and the SK IPT was keen to investigate the technology further, but funding and other operational commitments did not immediately allow the idea to be developed. Some time later however, the MOD had to look at extending the life and capability of its current medium lift Sea King and Puma helicopters.

Funding was made available to investigate Carson's claims of increased performance and QinetiQ was tasked with conducting a feasibility study. The results confirmed that Carson blades were indeed a cost effective upgrade that delivered real performance improvements, so the MOD moved to bring them into service quickly for use in operational theaters.

"Within the MOD, the Carson blades program is recognized as being demanding with regard to the short timescales involved and there has been a lot of admiration for the way that QinetiQ has tackled the program and the amount of hours and effort that have been put in," said Lt Cdr Dave Maude from the SK IPT. "Looking from the outside, the amount of work that individuals have put in and their dedication is incredible."

FMI: www.mod.uk, www.qinetiq.com