Investigation of Helicopter Wire Strike Protection Concepts

A Summary of DOD-Sponsored Research Performed at NASA Langley's Impact Dynamics Research Facility

“…The U.S. Army AATD sponsored a series of Wire Strike Protection System (WSPS) qualification tests on different Army helicopters [10][11][12]. Based on helicopter accident data, it was found that many crashes occurred during napof-the-earth flight when pilots accidentally flew the helicopters into utility cables.…”

A Survey of Research Performed at NASA Langley Research Center's Impact Dynamics Research Facility

“…The IDRF was modified extensively to permit static and dynamic tethered-hover tests of this powered V/STOL aircraft. During six months of testing of the XFV-12A it became apparent that major deficiencies existed in hovering flight, including insufficient lift due to mar-Strike Protection System In 1979, the US Army AATD sponsored a series of Wire Strike Protection System (WSPS) qualification tests on 8 different Army helicopters 35,36. Based on helicopter accident data, it was found that many accidents occurred during nap-of-theearth flight when pilots accidentally flew the helicopters into utility cables.…”