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A Novel True Airspeed Indicator for Helicopters

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 20769
Amount: $50,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1993
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
107 Research Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Dr. Siva Mangalam
 (804) 865-7093
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

A completely new approach is proposed for the accurate measurement and display of the true airspeed of helicopters in hover, low-speed and forward flight. Unlike conventional instruments, the proposed innovation will be characterized by high-frequency response and high sensitivity across the range of helicopter flight speeds. The proposed device will provide accurate speed indication both at low and at high airspeeds. The innovation items from the following significant advances made by AS&M in recent years: (a) the discovery of a direct coupling between airspeed and frequency of flow oscillations at the leading-edge stagnation region, and (b) the invention of constant voltage anemometry. A probe of specified geometry with closely-spaced, micro-thin multielement sensors will be used in conjunction with constant voltage anemometers to determine the true airspeed as well as the flow angularity. The frequency of the electrical output signals from the instrument will be related to the true airspeed of the helicopter. The one-time calibration of the airspeed indicator will be dependent on the probe geometry but independent of the installation (e.g., H-60).

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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