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Aviation History
2001
2001 - 2111.PDF
PARIS 2001 g, or making the jump to the 2,235kW- iss Common Engine Programme EP) planned for the Sikorsky UH-60X. Any power growth will require replace- ent of the drive system. One possibility ing explored under a joint industry/gov- nment funded science and technology ogramme is using a split-face gear to ive the transmission from both sides of e input pinion. The net effect is to dou- e the contact surface area without any mificant growth in gearbox size, which oids expensive airframe modifications. ie challenge is achieving the level of ar precision to ensure an equal torque empennage, the new structure costs 25% less to manufacture, is 15% lighter and capable of sustaining 25% higher loads. The process is being validated on a centre fuselage section, which will be statically tested next year. RPA enhancements Further improvements are planned for the AH-64D's avionics, including the adoption of an open system architecture allowing replacement of outdated processors and a cut in avionics boxes and wiring. This would also open the door to elements of the Rotorcraft Pilot Associate (RPA) - first stribution. A scaled 149kW (200hp) gear- )x has been tested and Boeing is eking funds for full-size proof of concept snonstration. Work has also been under way since >96 on a lighter, composite five-blade ain rotor, a prototype of which is due to : windtunnel tested early next year. The Idition of a fifth blade is intended to pro- de a margin for futile weight growth, hile reducing blade-loading and, in the ocess, halving O&S costs. The alternative to increase the blade chord, which ould increase vibration, or to extend the tor diameter by 460mm (1.5ft), which ould require a lengthened tail boom. Tail-rotor torque will also have to be )rated, which in turn drives a need for a ronger boom and aft fuselage attach- ent. Boeing fc looking at a composite ructure using pre-stitched material and icuum assisted transfer molding to pro- ice a stronger but lighter structure, ompared to the metallic boom and demonstrated on the AH-64 - being retro fitted, such as a digital map and messaging. "We're working on subsets of RPA to support cognitive decision aids to the crews," says Plaster, who adds that the full system requires FBW architecture like the Comanche. While the US Army has chosen to accel erate the disposal of its AH-IS Cobras, the US Marine Corps has embarked on a major remanufacturing effort to extend the lives of its 180 AH-1W SuperCobras by 15 to 20 years. The marines contend that for less than $11 million each, the modernised AH-1Z is financially more attractive than acquiring a new macjiine. An additional pay-off is the upgrade and re-engining of 100 UH-1N utility machines, with 85% commonality to the attack helicopter in terms of major components. The AH-1Z will receive a re-lifed 10,000h airframe, a composite four-blade bearing- less main rotor, four-blade tailrotor, wing pylon with 131itre (50 USgal) integral fuel Comanche signatures are reduced by low observability shaping and internal weapons bays cell and uprated l,955kW transmission, better matched to the machine's twin T700-401 turboshafts. The machine will have triple the range or double the payload of the AH-1W. "The key lesson from Kosovo was the need for greater speed, range, precision targeting and positive tar get identification," says Capt Tom Curtis, USMC H-l programme manager. The most significant AH-1Z enhance ment is the Lockheed Martin AAQ-30 Hawkeye target sight system (TSS). It com prises a colour TV, laser rangefinder/desig- nator, laser spot tracker and a mid-wave FLIR, which the USMC claims offers twice the detection, recognition and identifica tion range of second generation systems. The TSS has four fields of view and extended range (XR) mode, which with image processing provides another 60% range increase. The TSS more than ade quately meets the Hellfire IPs 9km range and keeps the AH-1Z beyond the reach of most man portable surface-to-air missiles. AH-1Z and UH-1Y will share a Litton integrated glass cockpit with moving map, digital communications including ARC- 210 and satcom, and two open system architecture weapon/mission computers. The other critical element in the upgrade is an Integrated Helmet Display and Sighting System (IHDSS) from BAE Systems. Integration The system, unlike Apache's HMD, is binocular, using dual cathode ray tubes and image intensifiers to project day/night symbology and overlaid targeting data onto the visor. "The system weighs the same as the existing helmet and night vision goggles, but has better centre of gravity and is less fatiguing," says Curtis. The USMC is looking at further enhancements, including integrating FLIR and TV imagery with the IHDSS, and the Link 16 tactical datalink. The AH-1Z also needs an improved integrated defensive aids suite, smaller than SIRFC/SIIRCM. The SuperCobra is the only US attack helicopter with an air-to-air missile (AAM) capability, with the Raytheon AIM-9M, which in time will be upgraded to the AIM-9X. Often overlooked in the heavyweight battle between Apache and the Eurocopter Tiger is Italy's AgustaWestland A129 Man- gusta, which still claims the title of being the only operational European-built com bat helicopter. The 4. It machine is smaller than much of the competition other than the Comanche, which has been designed along similar light attack and scout lines. Italy plans to modernise the Mangusta into the multi-role A129 CBT. It will uprate its 45 helicopters and starts taking delivery of 15 new build machines this year. The principal changes include adding a five- vw.fliqhtinternational.com FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 12-18 J UNE 2001 95
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