Low airspeed systems for the naval SH-60 Seahawk aircraft

Pitot-static systems have long been used to measure helicopter airspeed. The Pitot-static system is inaccurate at low airspeeds (below 40 knots) due to the limited sensitivity of the sensor and interference of rotor down wash. Additionally, the Pitot-static system only measures unidirectional airspeed and unlike its fixed wing counterparts the helicopter is not limited to flight in one direction. With the changing roles of the US Navy Seahawk it is imperative that the pilot and aircrew have all the information necessary to safely complete the mission and prolong the life of the aircraft and dynamic components. With the addition of a dipping sonar to the remanufactured SH-60B aircraft (designated SH- 60R) and the conduct of combat search and rescue mission in the Navy's Seahawks the aircraft will spend more time in a hover and will be flown more aggressively than in the past. This thesis examiness the advantages of incorporating a low airspeed system into the modem helicopter, in particular the SH-60 Seahawk. The author examines the low airspeed sensors and systems currently available and gives a brief description of each system's operation. The author examines the challenges of installing a low airspeed sensor onto the SH-60 Seahawk. The author has determined that either a laser velocimeter or an analytical neural network system would be the best approach for a low airspeed system for the SH-60 Seahawk. The author recommends a combined approach be taken to develop both the laser velocimeter and analytical neural network, and incorporate the best system after further flight testing.