Development of a helicopter vortex ring state warning system through a moving map display computer

Abstract

The need for improved pilot aids has become a high priority item for pilots and aircrews operating at sea and ashore. Pilot aids such as the moving map display, GPWS, collision, and vortex ring state (VRS) warning systems will significantly enhance aircrew situational awareness and safety. Many more of today's aircraft mishaps are a result of pilot error, which includes a loss of situational awareness. The moving map display provides relatively easy incorporation of sophisticated pilot aids without operational flight program (OFP) modification. This thesis discusses, examines and selects a vortex ring state prediction algorithm to be incorporated in the GADGHT unit. A program was written that manipulated required aircraft performance data from the ARINC 429 data bus and compared this data to vortex ring state boundaries predicted by the algorithm. The GADGHT unit provides an audible and visual warning to the pilots when the aircraft has penetrated the VRS boundaries. This warning system will provide increased safety and situational awareness to helicopter crews operating in increasingly demanding 0perational environments