Rotorcraft External Airbag Protection System (REAPS) (Something we need for troops in Iraq)

Defense Update ^ | 2005 December

[Wiz]

Recent tests of the Rotorcraft External Airbag Protection System (REAPS) developed by RAFAEL verified the crash protection capabilities of the system, mitigating crash loads below 25 g, thereby opening the way for future military and commercial applications. Following the November 2005 tests, which concluded a two year US Navy Concept and Technology Demonstration program RAFAEL plans to get FAA certification for passenger helicopter application.

REAPS uses a external airbag array, attached under the fuselage of passenger rotorcrafts. The system uses proximity sensors to measure the ground approach deploy the airbag just before an imminent crash, thereby limiting passenger injuries and airframe damage. REAPS moderates the crash impact loadings with hard or soft surface (including water impact).

The tests took place near Phoenix, AZ on Bell 206 rotorcrafts. Two drops were conducted at a maximum gross weight of 3300 lbs, at impact velocities of 27 and 34 ft/sec (1,600 and 2,000 ft/min). The helicopters were equipped with four ATD's (Anthropomorphic Test Dummies) simulating human passengers. The "passengers" were in tact after each drop. In addition the tests proved that due to the REAPS airbags, the passengers were subjected to an impact of less than 25G with absolutely no rebound and secondary impact. As for the helicopters, according to Mr. Ken Bennett, a helicopter specialist at HeliWorks, Pensacola FL, who participated in the tests as part of the survivability evaluation team, both helicopters were in a repairable state following impact. and the airframe experienced limited damage.

[Wiz]

The REAPS will be one of the tools for increasing survivability of our troops on military helicopter in hostile environment. I don't think REAPS itself will be the silver bullet, but be very useful in environment like Iraq where troops may risk lives under attacks by guerilla warfare such as in Iraq. This won't be ready soon, and hope we were several years earlier having these to use them in Iraq and Afghanistan. I hope these would be installed on all military helicopters in the near future.

[mcshot]

Awhile back I read an article about a Russian helicopter that used parachutes for a safe decent following attack or mechanical difficulties. I recall that the rotors were to be blown off to allow the chute(s) to deploy. Seems more practical than an airbag that is exposed in the bottom of the craft. Also, auto rotation doesn't seem that safe.
Note: It's early and haven't fully coffeed-up.

[Wiz]

Awhile back I read an article about a Russian helicopter that used parachutes for a safe decent following attack or mechanical difficulties. I recall that the rotors were to be blown off to allow the chute(s) to deploy.

Interesting... is that article on-line? Is that about Ka-50-2/Ka-52? I only know Ka-50-2/Ka-52 which the rotor is blown off for ejection of pilot, but it is the first time to hear about parachutes used for emergency landing.

[TexasRedeye]

This concept was advanced and discarded in the early 1970's by Bell Helicopter, Ft. Worth, Texas. I know because I worked on it!

Several concepts were proposed for the AH-1G Cobra gunship specifically. One, rotors were blown and the 'chutes (3 or so) deployed to lower the airframe safely. Problem was that most helicopter operations were far too close to the ground for 'chutes to have time to become effective before catastrophic impact. Secondly, the rotors were blown and occupants were ejected out the top like the ejection seats we have all seen in military jets for a long time. Problem was - pilots simply would not trust it! Again, too, time before airframe terrain impact was very, very short because of operational altitudes.

[Xenophobic Alien]

Wonder if it would have helped in this crash?

Click Here

[mcshot]

I believe the article was in an old Popular Mechanics mag I read in a Dr.s office. The working altitude issue makes sense but I wish there was someway to increase survivability.
I'm just an old VN era vet that remembers alot of crash and burns. My dreams of becoming a chopper pilot were dashed when I chose the air force over army aviation - I remember that being married and life expectancy had impacts on my decision.
Best,
mc