In mid 1996 the EC135 received its type certification from LBA, DGAC and FAA as the first helicopter commonly developed and certified by Eurocopter Germany and France. This paper highlights the design work for optimised dynamics, aerodynamics, flying and handling qualities taking into account the experiences gained during the development of the EC135 and also the BO108 prototypes. New design features such as the bearingless main rotor and advanced main rotor profiles were preliminarily evaluated on the technology demonstrator BO108. Based on these theoretical evaluations and flight test experience, Eurocopter started in 1991 with the development and design of the EC135 with fan-in-fin tail rotor, leading to the first flight of a pre-production aircract in February 1994. First a brief description of the helicopter and a presentation of the development schedule is given, followed by a discussion of interesting topics like rotor dynamics, vibration, rotor/airframe aerodynamics, dynamic stability, manoeuvrability, gust sensitivity, flight envelope, agility and controllability. The paper describes theoretical and experimental investigations carried out in the design, development and certification process from the aeromechanic point of view. For each problem area, significant parameters are discussed and tendencies are shown. In addition, the methodology used today in the design process of a helicopter is addressed.
Aeromechanic aspects in the design of the EC135
Aeromechanische Aspekte beim Entwurf des Hubschraubers EC135
European Rotorcraft Forum, 23 ; 1 ; 38-3814
1997
14 Seiten, 26 Bilder, 3 Tabellen, 19 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
Aeromechanic Aspects in the Design of the EC135
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997
|Aeromechanic aspects in the design of the EC135
Tema Archiv | 1999
|Online Contents | 1997
Online Contents | 1994
|Online Contents | 1994