Hover performance of a remotely piloted helicopter

Abstract

This paper discussed the hover performance of a remotely piloted helicopter (RPH) and the suitability of the use of this RPH in the academic environment of the Naval Postgraduate School Aeronautical Engineering Department. The methods used are those used in the Helicopter Performance Test Manual of the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School. When testing remotely piloted aircraft for use with the military, there is a necessity to test a product to specifications. These specifications may be similar to those of a full sized aircraft. The test methods used are adequate for testing of RPG's for specification but the use of this equipment in an academic environment is not safe enough without major modification. The RPH has enough excess lift to carry a small test instrumentation package in forward flight. If the RPH is used only in a laboratory environment for the demonstration of hover performance; the gas engine can be replaced with an electric motor and a plexiglas shield can be used between the students and the RPH to satisfy necessary safety precautions