Ditching Investigation of a Dynamic Model of a HU2K-1 Helicopter

Various configurations and approach conditions were investigated in order to determine the ditching behavior and the best ditching procedure. When ditchings were made without the float bags, the model rolled over on its side; when ditchings were made with the float bags inflated, the model remained upright. Late-flare and early-flare ditchings gave the same general behavior. Slight damage to the bottom surface of the scale-strength fuselage resulted for all test conditions.