Wed, Jan 16, 2008
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."
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