Jeffrey D Cole

US Patent:

58531521, Dec 29, 1998

Filed:

Apr 29, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/841096

Inventors:

Charles W. Evans - Norfolk CT
Jeffrey L. Cole - Stuart FL
Jefferson H. Slayden - Royal Palm Beach FL

Assignee:

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation - Stratford CT

International Classification:

B64C 1314

US Classification:

244221

Abstract:

A collective detent system is incorporated in combination with the flight control system of a helicopter to enhance vertical takeoff flight operations of the helicopter. One embodiment of the collective detent system includes a collective control stick that is pivotable through a range of operating positions from a full-down collective position to a full-up collective position with one of the operating positions of the range defining a vertical takeoff operating position that provides the vertical takeoff power level required for the vertical takeoff flight profile of the helicopter, a trim switch for a conventional collective trim system that is operative to implement a trim mode function wherein the collective control stick can be trimmed in any selected operating position, a vertical takeoff (VTO) detent switch that is operative to generate a detent signal when activated, an adjustable sensor that is operative to generate a stick-position signal when the collective control stick is pivoted into the vertical takeoff operating position, a restraint force generating (RFG) device, and a modified trim system circuit that functionally interconnects the trim switch, the VTO detent switch, the adjustable sensor, and the RFG device in interactive combination. Prior to pivoting the collective control stick into the vertical takeoff operating position, the VTO detent switch is activated to generate the detent signal. During the vertical takeoff profile, the adjustable sensor detects the pivotal movement of the collective control stick into the vertical takeoff operating positions and generates the stick-position detent signal in response thereto.

US Patent:

58735461, Feb 23, 1999

Filed:

Jun 19, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/878712

Inventors:

Charles W. Evans - Norfolk CT
Karl W. Saal - Stuart FL
Jeffrey L. Cole - Stuart FL

Assignee:

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation - Stratford CT

International Classification:

B64C 2700

US Classification:

244 1713

Abstract:

A system and method for conducting one engine inoperative (OEI) flight procedures training in a dual-engine helicopter includes a multi-function OEI training switch that is operative to initiate OEI flight procedures training by selecting one of said engines as the single operative engine for OEI flight procedures training, and a training function module that is: (1) operative to establish suppressed 30-second, 2-minute, and maximum continuous OEI operating limits for selected engine operating parameters to limit the actual power provided by said powerplant system during OEI flight procedures training; and (2) operative to generate biasing factors to control the operation of the parametric indicators for the selected engine operating parameters during OEI flight procedures training. During OEI flight procedures training, the training function module limits the actual power output of the helicopter powerplant system to the suppressed 30-second, 2-minute, or maximum continuous OEI operating limits, as selected by the pilot, while simultaneously utilizing the biasing factors to cause the parametric indicators of the selected operative engine to provide display indications to the pilot that the selected operative engine is operating at the actual 30-second, 2-minute, or maximum continuous OEI operating limits, as applicable.