Sikorsky S-92 anti-icing completes wind tunnel test requirements
Sikorsky S-92 anti-icing completes wind tunnel test requirements
Keywords Dunlop,Helicopters, Wind tunnels
Wind tunnel tests of the engine intakes designed and manufactured for the Sikorsky S-92 civil helicopter have recently been completed by Dunlop Aviation Ice Protection and Structures(DIPS). The tests proved both the extent of the area requiring protection and the heat intensities to ensure the effectiveness of the anti-icing system to FAR 29.
Carried out at the NASA,Lewis facility in Cleveland, Ohio, the tests were completed in less than five weeks, confirming anti-icing performance across 20 test points of temperature,water content and air speed for three different engine configurations and mass flow rates.
DIPS has also developed outstanding composite expertise. High strength/light weight structures are able to accommodate the intricate, close tolerance compound curves required to meet manufacturers' aerodynamic requirements.
The heater systems in DIPS ice protected intakes are tailored to fit precisely the intricate aerodynamic contours in order to make the most efficient use of available power.
As a result of these tests, DIPS is proceeding with the manufacture of the production standard heater system to meet the tight time schedules demanded by Sikorsky's aircraft development programme.
