Analysis (Industrial)

PDA Engineering served as the subcontractor to perform and support the evaluation, analysis, and test plan development for a prototype helicopter. The helicopter was small (21 feet) with a composite body, turbo-driven, and had improved blades. It was purported to be able to fly faster and higher than currently available helicopters and might have been invisible to radar.

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PDA Engineering's task was to:

• Evaluate the potential performance of the prototype

• Evaluate and analyze critical factors such as aerodynamics, power, and structure

• Analyze critical components such as the body, tail, rotor, engine, and blades

• Develop a test plan that would verify performance claims and perform initial testing of critical items

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The most expeditious way to initially verify aerodynamics was to run selected tests in a wind tunnel. The prototype helicopter was scanned and digitized, and a 1/7 scale model was generated, built, and tested at a recognized wind tunnel facility at the University of Minnesota. Analysis of the results indicated that some minor changes could be made to the fuselage, and various tail design configurations should be explored. 

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The scaled model was also used to analyze and evaluate potential speed, using the aerodynamic results, weight, blade characteristics, and engine capability. Testing results were used to analyze and evaluate the blades and rotor, and software was used to perform a structural analysis of the helicopter body.

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Reports were generated for the evaluations, analyses, and initial testing, and a test plan was generated for the actual prototype helicopter that included tests to be performed, facilities needed, schedule, and cost.