Flight evaluation of advanced Sbas point-in-space helicopter procedures facilitating Ifr access in difficult terrain and dense airspaces

Abstract

This paper describes the work performed within the framework of the SESAR2020 project “Enhanced Arrival and Departures” (PJ.01 EAD). The Solution PJ.01-06 within Project PJ01 assessed and validated the benefit of advanced Point in Space (PinS) rotorcraft flight procedures. Advanced PinS, which use curved segments and straight segments in the construction of IFR routes, are key enablers for the simultaneous non-interfering concept, noise abatement approaches, and helicopter access in difficult terrain. Three exercises were conducted to demonstrate and analyze the benefits two different enabling technologies. Exercises one and two integrated a synthetic vision system (SVS), a flight management system (FMS) together with a Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) supporting manual flight that can increase the safety and reliability of rotorcraft operations through dedicated symbology for specific rotorcraft operations, especially during arrival and departure operations including visual segments. The third exercise used an IFR-certified avionics suite (Helionix®), including a flight management system (FMS) and a 4 axis autopilot to automatically fly an advanced PinS approach with different descent profiles. This paper describes the entire validation process, starting with the design of the PinS procedures for Braunschweig and Donauwörth heliport, the hardware integration of both the helmet-mounted display system and flight management system into DLR’s Generic Cockpit Simulator (GECO) and research helicopter ACT/FHS (Active Control Technology / Flying Helicopter Simulator), as well as the implementation of real-time simulation and flight tests at Braunschweig and Donauwörth. The results of these validations and a conclusion based on them are also presented.