23rd Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, 8-13 September, 2002, Toronto, Canada
Paper ICAS 2002-6.6.4

METHODOLOGY FOR ENSURING SAFETY OF AN EMBARKED HELICOPTER SECURING SYSTEM PROBE INSTALLATION

R. Langlois (1), P. Keary (2)
(1) Carleton University & Indal Technologies Inc., Canada (2) Kaman Aerospace Corp.

Keywords: dynamic interface analysis, structural analysis, fatigue analysis, helicopter

Novel methodology is presented that combines dynamic interface analysis, detailed computational stress analysis and validation, full-scale destructive component assembly testing, and proof-load testing to ensure that the design and installation of the helicopter-mounted portion of the Indal Technologies Inc. Recovery Assist Secure and Traverse (RAST) system in the Kaman Aerospace Corp. SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite helicopter meets or exceeds safety and operational requirements for shipboard launch and recovery in severe sea conditions. The approach is outlined, followed by quantitative results and comprehensive discussion of each aspect of the project through to aircraft/probe substantiation testing. While the application of the methodology is specific, experience with the approach suggests that it is well suited for use in similar safety-critical applications.

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