3573. Investigation into the Feasibility of Onboard Weight and Balance Systems for Rotary Wing Aircraft with Wheeled Landing Gear
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Paper
Abstract
The gross weight and the location of the center of gravity are known to be crucial to the safe operation of aircraft. Calculation of the these values is mostly done by hand with a paper manifest or with the help of computer programs and lead to an estimate of about 99% accuracy – not accounting for human errors. To enhance the safety, onboard weight and balance systems which measure the actual gross weight and center of gravity before takeoff have been developed and used in fixed wing aircraft since 1932.
This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of such an integrated weighing system for rotary wing aircraft with wheeled landing gear. Although the experience from airplanes is beneficial to evaluate available measurement techniques and to foresee possible problems, there are several differences that do not allow direct technological transfer. This document describes the necessary measurement accuracies for rotary wing aircraft in diverse environmental conditions like ramp slope and wind. Further, available sensors and their capability to fulfill these needs are discussed. Technological risks are likewise identified and total system accuracies for different combinations of sensors are given. An analysis into customer needs in weight and balance determination and a possible human machine interface which meets these requirements is provided. Concluding, different forms of OWBS are synthesized from these conclusions and compared by their ability to fulfill miscellaneous objectives like certification strategy, operational constraints and customer acceptance.
