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Flight service evaluation of composite helicopter componentsThis paper presents the results of a NASA funded contract and Sikorsky research and development programs to evaluate structural composite components in flight service on Sikorsky Model S-76 helicopters. Selected components were removed and tested at prescribed intervals over a nine year time frame. Four horizontal stabilizers and thirteen tail rotor spars were returned from commercial service in West Palm Beach, Florida and in the Gulf Coast region of Louisiana to determine the long term effects of operations in hot and humid climates on component performance. Concurrent with the flight component evaluation, panels of materials used in their fabrication were exposed to the environment in ground racks. Selected panels were tested annually to determine the effects of exposure on physical and mechanical properties. The results of 55,741 component flight hours and 911 months of field exposure are reported and compared with initial Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification data. The findings of this program have provided increased confidence in the long term durability of advanced composite materials used in helicopter structural applications.
Document ID
19940038975
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mardoian, George H.
(Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, CT United States)
Ezzo, Maureen B.
(Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, CT United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of the American Helicopter Society
Volume: 39
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0002-8711
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Accession Number
94A62424
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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