Airflow hazard prediction for helicopter flight in icing condition

A methodology to predict the airflow hazard of helicopter flight in icing conditions is developed. By incorporating the existent ice accretion codes into an established basic helicopter flight dynamic model and considering airflow disturbance that mainly covers downdraft, head/tail wind, and left/right wind, the hazardous effects on trims, stability, and controllability of UH-60A single rotor helicopter in icing/ice-free conditions and within/without different types of wind field are investigated. The stability and controllability of helicopter that encounters airflow disturbance from wind velocity of 0 to 2.5-5.0m/s for forward flight are examined. The indications of all the work are summarized at the end of this article. Furthermore, this method can be used to helicopter inflight safety prediction or airflow hazard avoidance analysis in icing conditions. It can also be laid as the foundation of the further research about the more complex airflow hazard prediction in icing conditions for helicopter flight safety.