In recent years, helicopters have undergone radical
changes to remain up-to-date with safety regulations, longevity,
quality improvements, and advanced military application. Aircraft
manufacturers, including Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin, based in Stratford
Connecticut, and Boeing, headquartered in Chicago Illinois, are
head-to-head in aircraft improvements, thus raising the bar for future
helicopter design and their compliance with both commercial and
military settings. Now, companies and individuals engaging in research
and development regarding the aircraft industry are eligible for
federal and state R&D tax credits.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
Enacted in 1981, the federal
Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit allows a credit of up to
13% of eligible spending for new and improved products and processes.
Qualified research must meet the following four criteria:
New or improved products, processes, or software
Technological in nature
Elimination of uncertainty
Process of experimentation
Eligible costs include employee
wages, cost of supplies, cost of testing, contract research expenses,
and costs associated with developing a patent. On December 18,
2015, President Obama signed the bill making the R&D Tax Credit
permanent. Beginning in 2016, the R&D credit can be used to offset
Alternative Minimum tax and startup businesses can utilize the credit
against $250,000 per year in payroll taxes.
Recent Events Call For Immediate Helicopter Improvements
An increase in the number of
helicopter-related accidents has resulted in not only serious injury
and civilian fatalities but also a call for aircraft improvements.
Although overall civil helicopter accidents in the United States
decreased 25% since 2007, fatalities remained annually around 4 dozen.
Recommendations were made by the National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve
helicopters, namely in upgrading fuel systems. After all, many of the
casualties resulted from fuel system explosiveness after a crash. It is
anticipated that $500 million or more in investments will account for
amending the fuel system safety gap in existing helicopters.
Truth Data Insights, a
Texas-based flight monitoring company, and Toll Rescue Helicopter
Service, an Australian company, are studying Toll’s fleet of Leonardo
AW139 helicopters. Flight data monitoring services offered through
Truth Data Insights permits Toll to identify operational risks
associated with human error. Then, after a mission, the flight data is
transmitted to cloud-based data storage to be processed and analyzed.
The general manager of Toll Helicopters explained the benefits of this
process: “To have dynamic data captured and used in near real-time
ultimately leads to safer operations with this system, representing
world’s best practice for lead data and proactive risk and safety
management.” Analysis from the first four months of
implementation has resulted in substantial improvements to Toll’s
helicopters.
Surprisingly, advances in civil
helicopters are harder to achieve since those companies argue over the
cost and necessity of such improvements. On the other hand, companies
engaging in military efforts are quickly jumping on the bandwagon,
competing to make the most effective aircraft enhancements that will
support and sustain military needs over longer periods of time.
MD Helicopters Inc. Continued Improvements in Civil Application
This American aerospace
manufacturer is headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. It produces helicopters
for commercial and military use, namely regarding the military, law
enforcement, utility, EMS, and VIP. Some of its fleets include the
Korean Armed Forces, U.S. Special Operations, Japanese Self Defense
Forces, the Italian government, and many more. For the past two years,
the company experienced improved ratings of 40% or more across all
measured helicopter customer support categories. Director Randall
Schaffer said that since 2015, “we worked to refine [our] focus,
putting significant resources into ensuring the right people and the
right processes were in place to guarantee rapid response to our
customer needs.” The company has been making improvements geared
around the voice of the customer. They strive to deliver excellence in
every area. As a result, they make some of the best helicopters
for business trips, government official usage, and connecting to
resorts or yacht landing pads.
During the March 2017 HAI
Heli-Expo in Dallas Texas, integration and testing efforts for the
company’s Block 1 glass cockpit upgrade were announced. It was
determined that it is a “safe, affordable solution that reduces pilot
workload and improves overall operational efficiency in even the most
demanding environments.” This upgrade would appear in the MD 600N
airframes, single-engine helicopters. The MD 600N is applicable to law
enforcement, utility, EMS, and VIP missions.
Furthermore, based off customer orders and comments, additional
modifications will be made to MDHI’s other single-engine aircrafts,
including the MD 500E (for law enforcement, utility, and VIP) and MD
520N (for law enforcement, utility, and VIP), by mid-2018. In
fact, MDHI incorporated a strong customer voice in the proof of concept
phase of its new aircraft, MD 6XX Concept helicopter.
The MD 6XX will be a scout attack
helicopter with additional certification in civilian use for law
enforcement and EMS missions. Its traditional four-bladed tail rotor
and extended composite boom will make it potentially deliver 40% more
anti-torque power coupled with a reduced noise signature. The blades
employed ought to improve performance by 10%. As with most new
aircraft, the cockpit will incorporate an avionics system that reduces
pilot workload and offers digital three-axis auto-piloting while
complying with instrument flight rules. Other technology will
incorporate LIDAR sensors and camera technology which to
advance new features like deploying and retrieving drones.
Business affiliations with companies in the automobile industry are
instigating a common move towards autonomous vehicles, whether they are
in the air or on the roads. This joint effort is greatly
advancing the growth of automation in cars and aircrafts.
Airbus Focuses on Quality Improvement
Airbus, a European
multinational corporation headquartered in Toulouse, France, found that
their contributions to the helicopter industry will not improve as much
as they anticipated but that growth will begin in 2019 and continue
through 2024. In 10 years, they expect to double their fleet size, and
in 20 years, to triple. In the meantime, Airbus seeks improving quality
in its existing civil helicopters. By improving quality, Airbus should
separate itself from market competitors, which would undoubtedly
improve resale value while catering to customer needs and demands.
For example, in 2015, Airbus
released Bluecopts, which has lower noise levels, burns less fuel, and
is more efficient to operate. The company is proud to say that they
“met [their] goals of decreasing fuel consumption by as much as 40%,
significantly reducing CO2 emissions, and lowering noise to
approximately 10 decibel effective perceived noise below ICAO noise
certification limits, while raising the maximum payload and the
passenger comfort.” There is also an eco-mode when in flight that
further enhances performance and shuts off one of the engines. To keep
up with such advancements, other companies ought to pursue similar
endeavors.
Finally, Airbus released the
Helionix digital avionics fixed-base trainer to automate a cockpit’s
flight control system. The system incorporates redundancy so that in
the event of malfunctioning, the system undergoes an automatic
reconfiguration without requiring pilot intervention. It should
be installed in all Airbus helicopters over the next several years. As
of now, it is certified for the EC175 and EC145 T2 helicopters.
Helicopter Advancements in the Military
Military helicopters are
rapidly developing as competition amongst leading aircraft companies
intensifies. These changes are seen in both the U.S. military and
around the world.
U.S.
Military Efforts to Revolutionize Future Aircrafts
The military is seeking to create
a fleet of aircraft that are faster, fly greater distances without
refueling, operate in all weather conditions, and maintain high speeds
and hovering capabilities. This effort, known as the Joint Multi-Role
Technology Demonstrator, intends to have a new fleet released by 2030.
The Future Vertical Lift program will be incorporated into the new
fleet as it is currently being tested by Bell, Sikorsky, and Boeing.
FVL is considered a “high priority. We have identified capability gaps.
We need technologies and designs that are different than what the
current fleet has,” as explained by the project manager of the FVL
effort.
Many unique features are brought
into the conceptual designs for this future fleet. For example,
“fly-by-wire” technology will help a helicopter autonomously fly along
a course provided the pilot is somehow incapacitated. Cognitive
decision-aiding technologies will “track, prioritize, organize, and
deliver incoming on- and off-board sensory information by optimizing
visual, 3D audio and tactile informational cues.” As a result, the
pilot should not be overburdened with an onslaught of new information,
which should help him make cognitive decisions that do not negatively
impact the success of the mission.
Further advancements are proposed
to integrate sensors with a countermeasure technology system. This
would detect risks over a wider range and notify the pilot of potential
oncoming threats. Some of this tech already exists. One example is
Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM). This laser-jammer has the
ability to throw incoming missiles off course. Changes such as CIRCM
are currently being tested by Sikorsky and Boeing.
American
Companies Sweep into Israel’s Air Force
Israel is seeking to upgrade its
heavy-lift helicopters by 2025, and the two companies vying for its
contract are Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The major question regarding
which to choose revolves around the operational capabilities required
by the Israeli air forces. Washington D.C. gives Israel $38 billion in
military assistance for the next 10 years to cover the expenses in
modernization.
Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky CH-53K
King Stallion and Boeing’s Chinook are up for discussion by the Israeli
air forces. The King Stallion has 3 engines and a cruising speed of 261
km/h with an 852km range. It includes digital fly-by-wire avionics and
fully integrated flight and navigation displays. On the other hand, the
Chinook has a cruising speed of 291 km/h and a mission range of only
370km. It incorporates multi-role and multi-mission features alongside
a full digital management system in the cockpit. Both Boeing and
Lockheed Martin sold aircrafts to Israel before, so it is just a matter
of what Israel is looking for regarding upgrades to its heavy-life
fleet.
Efforts
to Make 100-year Helicopters
During the Vietnam War, the U.S.
Army used the state-of-the-art Chinook helicopter. Today, this aircraft
is still employed and the Army is attempting to keep improving the
Chinook so that it lasts 100 years in service. Many improvements have
been made to the cockpit with the Common Avionics Architecture System
(CAAS). This incorporates digital displays, line replacement units,
navigational technology, multi-mode radios, software, and new
pilot-vehicle interfaces. The pilot-vehicle interface “involves
improved computing technology where faster processor and new software
are able to better organize and display information to the crew,
allowing them to make informed decisions faster.”
Final adjustments to the Chinook
include COOLS (Cargo-On/Off-Loading-System), improved gun mounts,
vibration control, and seating. COOLS incorporates rollers on the
helicopter bed that make for faster movement of equipment and supply
pallets. It has an additive advantage in ballistic protection. As the
Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator effort predicted, an automated
flight system is one of the improvements made to increase the longevity
of Chinook.
Boeing recently accepted a $276
million Army contract to advance Chinook. Boeing expects “the next-gen
Chinooks will have enhanced battlefield agility and this will spur an
even greater performance gain in the future.” The Block II
Chinook will be delivered in 2023 as the Army plans to upgrade over 500
Chinooks to this new configuration.
Lockheed
Martin/Sikorsky Projects
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin
subsidiary, remains an industry leader since 1939 through its
commitment to innovation, excellence, and safety. Its advancements from
2010 through 2015 were sparked by some of the growing concerns and
interests for change in the helicopter industry. The table below lists
some of Sikorsky’s most notable improvement since 2010:
Sikorsky is known for its
advancements in speed, autonomy, and intelligence. Its aircraft can fly
up to 250 knots while having lower altitude maneuverability, low
downwash capability, high performance, low acoustic signature, and
increased mission effectiveness. Sikorsky developed MATRIX technology,
which is the autonomy pillar that gives humans the necessary tools and
technology to fly missions more often and effectively and improve
safety and reliability while reducing the expense of owning aircrafts.
Finally, the intelligence advancements are coupled with health and
usage operations to improve aircraft safety, economics, and mission
effectiveness.
Sikorsky
and Boeing’s SB>1 Defiant Compound Helicopter
Sikorsky and Boeing are working
on the SB>1 Defiant Helicopter with a common design that is faster,
has a longer range, and is more maneuverable and quiet. The Defiant
will have a top speed of 250 or more knots, or 463 km/hr. That is 160
km/hr faster than the UH-60M Blackhawk transport. Because of the
intended improvements in low-speed maneuverability, the Defiant will be
more beneficial and effective in urban environments.
Sikorsky and Boeing are currently
in the process of developing the helicopter as they have been designing
it since 2014. This is a proof of concept demonstrator for the army’s
acquisition plan to integrate Future Vertical Lift into most aircrafts.
The plans for the SB>1 Defiant demonstrate an interest to develop a
more unified design for both transport and attack operations. The
Defiant’s main competitor is Bell’s V-280 Valor, which is similar in
abilities and advancements.
This helicopter is part of Future
Vertical Lift (FVL), a plan to develop a family of military helicopters
that share common hardware, including sensors, avionics, engines, and
countermeasures. FVL looks to create new rotorcraft that uses new
technology, materials, and designs that are quicker, have further
range, better payload, and are more reliable while being easier to
maintain and operate, have lower operating costs, and reduced
logistical footprints.
Sikorsky planned to make flight
demonstrations in fall 2017, however it is delayed to 2018. Nothing
significant caused the delay, then again the development process is not
as quick as anticipated. The team working on Defiant is spending much
time in the systems integration lab and propulsion system test bed. The
third leg of development is flying the aircraft. This process requires
precision and coordination as long as the hardware is constantly
refined. The team is pursuing a very thorough risk reduction process
that requires more time than previously expected to ensure there are no
errors when the aircraft is deployed.
Bell’s
V-280 Valor
This aircraft is the major
competitor to Sikorsky-Boeing’s Defiant. Still within the
classification of FVL, the Valor has some impressive features that make
it a strong contender in U.S. Army contracting. The helicopter has a
speed of 280 KTAS (knots true air speed) or 518.56 km/hr. It
integrates enhanced situational awareness and sensing technologies as
well as a triple redundant fly-by-wire flight control system.
Fly-by-wire replaces conventional manual flight controls with an
electronic interface. A triple redundant system will minimize the risk
of human or machine error.
The team at Bell is also seeking
out ways to adjust the V-280 Valor to meet the needs of other services.
For example, they are developing a “marinized version” for the Marine
Corps. Furthermore, some countries, including the Netherlands and
Australia, are considering investing in Bell’s FVL research and
development.
Sikorsky’s
King Stallion
The CH-53K King Stallion includes
battlefield and shipboard operations, and is designed to be
intelligent, reliable, low maintenance, and survivable in remote and
obscure forward operating bases. It is built to the exact standards of
the U.S. Marine Corps. The USMC and international militaries can better
move troops and equipment from ship to shore, even with higher altitude
terrain. It has the ability to carry 463L pallets and high-mobility
multipurpose-wheeled vehicles without having to reconfigure or remove
troop seating. It has more than triple the external load carrying
capacity of other aircrafts, including the CH-53E.
The design incorporates
state-of-the-art digital mechanisms:
Modern glass cockpit
Fly-by-wire flight controls that reduce pilot workload
High efficiency in 4th generation composite rotor blades
Integrated vehicle health management systems life-cycle
management
Lighter, stronger composite airframe structure
Automated blade fold (for maritime use)
Single, dual, and triple external cargo hook compatibility
Sikorsky suggests this helicopter
is best for handling missions such as humanitarian aid, troop
transport, casualty evacuation, support of special operations forces,
and combat search and rescue. It is built with the upmost security and
safety features for most conditions and scenarios.
The CH-53K is a general redesign
of the CH-53E. Major improvements are made to the engine and cockpit
layout. It also offers more lift capacity and space, which is its
primary benefit.
Darpa’s
ALIAS Program
The ALIAS program (Aircrew Labor
In-Cockpit Automation System) created by DARPA (Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency) is a modular plug-in system that drops into
any plane. With this system, seven planes can be flown at once instead
piloting each one individually. The program leverages autonomy to
reduce pilot workloads, augment mission performance, and improve
aircraft safety and reliability. There is a tailorable autonomy kit
that can be installed in fixed-wing airplanes and helicopters.
The challenge at the moment is finding ways in which ALIAS can be
incorporated with outdated mechanical controls in fixed wind and rotary
aircrafts.
With this program, pilots will
have the ability to engage autonomy when they want, to help operate,
dynamically plan, adjust, and/or execute a complete spectrum of
responsibilities. Finally, Sikorsky is developing systems intelligence
that gives operators the confidence to fly aircrafts more safely,
reliably, and affordably one or even no crew members.
The system fits beneath the cabin
floor and in the airframe of fixed-wing aircrafts. The system easily
connects to the existing mechanical, electrical, and diagnostic
systems. Phase 3 of testing is expected to explore intuitive
human-machine interface approaching, including using handheld devices,
to allow users to interact with and control the ALIAS system more
easily.
Aurora Flight Sciences, located
in Virginia, tested ALIAS with a robotic arm that is part of the
co-pilot’s seat. The arm pushes and pulls on the controls and “when it
trains its camera on the instrument panel, it can read the dials and
readouts like a human pilot.” Sikorsky, which also tests ALIAS,
incorporated it with a tablet that connects to the plane’s mechanical
controls and is stored beneath the cabin floor. Unlike Aurora, it is
more cumbersome to install ALIAS in aircrafts as Sikorsky does.
However, Sikorsky compensated for this inconvenience by implementing an
additional vision system that monitors the gauges and pilot’s behavior.
This setup permits pilots to fly different types of Sikorsky planes,
even if they were not trained extensively in them.
Conclusion
Over the past several years,
the U.S. Army has been undergoing radical improvement plans to its
existing fleet of aircrafts. American aerospace manufacturers are
competing but also collaborating to bring the best and most advanced
technology, automation, and general improvements to the helicopter
industry. Over the next several years, phase testing will be undergone
until new fleets are released and used on a wide scale. Companies,
engineers, and other individuals engaging in these recent changes to
the helicopter industry can now take advantage of available R&D
federal and state tax credits.
