Helicopter Test and Evaluation (AIAA Education) [Hardcover]

Alastair K. Cooke (Author), Eric W. H. Fitzpatrick (Author), Alistair K. Cooke (Author)

Book Description

Series: AIAA Education | Publication Date: November 2002

Although a number of texts on helicopter aerodynamics have been written, few have explained how the various theories concerning rotorborne flight underpin practical flight test and evaluation. This book combines theoretical information on aerodynamics, stability, control and performance with details of evaluation methodologies and practical guidance on the conduct of helicopter flight tests. For each topic the relevant theory is explained briefly and followed by details of the practical aspects of testing a conventional helicopter. These include: safety considerations; planning the tests; and the most efficient way to conduct individual flights. Where possible typical test results are presented and discussed. The book draws on the authors' extensive experience in flight test and flight test training and will appeal not only to professionals working in the area of rotocraft test and evaluation, but also to helicopter pilots, rotorcraft designers and manufacturers and final year undergraduates of aeronautical engineering.

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About the Author

Alastair Cooke gained a double first class honours degree in aeronautical engineering and design from Loughborough University in 1983. After commissioning into the Royal Air Force as an education officer he began his teaching career in 1984 by serving in the RAF?s Apprentice training wing at RAF Halton. Following selection in 1987 for the post of rotary wing ground tutor at the Empire Test Pilots? School, he attended Cranfield University where he gained a Master of Science degree in flight dynamics and in 1989 graduated from ETPS as a flight test engineer. Since joining the staff at ETPS in 1990 he has been awarded a PhD in innovation and technology assessment and has been given Recognised Teacher Status by Cranfield University. As an active member of the Society of Flight Test Engineers, Dr Cooke has presented several papers and amassed nearly 600 flight test hours.

Major Eric Fitzpatrick joined the Royal Marines in 1974 and served as a commando officer until starting helicopter pilot training in 1979. Following his pilot?s course he completed operational tours with 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron and the Army Air Corps in Norway, Germany and the UK, flying the Scout and Lynx in the anti-armour role. This was followed by an instructional tour before attending the Empire Test Pilots' School at Boscombe Down in 1986. After graduation from ETPS he completed a three year tour on Rotary Wing Test Squadron, also at Boscombe Down, as a test pilot and as the squadron senior pilot before commanding an Army Air Corps squadron in Germany. From 1992 to the present he has been employed as a tutor at ETPS. In his career he has completed over 5000 flight hours and has been qualified on eleven helicopters and four fixed-wing aircraft.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics & Ast (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563475782
• ISBN-13: 978-1563475788
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,687,129 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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