The Boeing Company

Mcdonnell Douglas Helicopter Company

Channing S Morse

Pieter G Einthoven

David George Miller

Robert E Head

Paul Lee Redkoles

David C Mossman

John D Butkiewicz

Pasquale A Randazzo

Thomas G Ashe

This invention relates to the concept of managing the rate of change of energy in a helicopter or other aeronautical vehicle. The invention uses energy management calculations to determine the maximum longitudinal and lateral inputs that can be made while still enabling the vehicle to maintain a desired vertical state. The results of the calculations can be cued to the pilot either tactilely, aurally, or visually, or used for internal software limiting.

Constant vertical state maintaining cueing system

Systems and methods are provided for determining a final heading of a turning vehicle, such as a rotorcraft. The system may include an algorithm that calculates an advance prediction of a final heading that will be achieved after control input is terminated. The system may also include a device, such as a display, for conveying predicted final heading information to an aircraft controller, such as a pilot.

Heading reference command and control algorithm and cueing systems and methods for aircraft turn-to-target maneuvers

An engine control system for a helicopter having at least one engine is provided, including an electronic engine control unit for each engine and further including a manually operated system for backing up each electronic engine control unit in the event of a failure thereof or for permitting optional manual engine operation. The engine control system includes at least one collective pitch stick and at least one twist grip rotatably mounted on the collective pitch stick. Each twist grip includes a normal (NORM) position within the range of the operating arc which is coincident with a detent. The system includes means for electronically actuating the detent to retract when the twist grip is rotated out of the NORM position into a manual operating mode, so that the electronic disablement of the detent permits an operator to smoothly operate the twist grip through the operating arc when the engine control system is in a manual control mode. The twist grip further includes an additional arc of travel past the idle stop to an OFF position, wherein fuel flow to its corresponding engine is cut off. Significantly, the system includes an electrically actuated mechanical gate over which the twist grip must pass to enter or exit the OFF position. The gate is normally biased closed, and may be opened electrically by means of a pilot-actuated off release pushbutton to enter the OFF position, or may be opened mechanically by twisting the twist grip against the bias to exit the OFF position.

Power management for a turbine powered helicopter

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Mesa, AZ, United States of America

Channing S Morse