MAGAZINE 02 | (^31)
H160
allow better performance in all the
light phases, last generation avion-
ics, with synthetic vision and new
automatic pilot system coupled to
the ly-by-wire system.
If they do not allow to have a
model with maximum eiciency
in all light phases, the structural
changes, with lighter and more
resistant materials, better aerody-
namics and more powerful and eco-
nomic engines, have created a better
cost-beneit ratio. he X6 concept of
the European manufacturer should
be one step beyond the H160, with
a fuselage design trying to obtain
new aerodynamic gains, as well as a
second generation of rotor blades as
compared with the older brother.
SINGLE-PILOT
Single-pilot light is one more trend
in the helicopter market, even in
ofshore operations. he creation
of more eicient and safer light
systems should allow the light with
only one crew member, making the
operation safer. Artiicial intelli-
gence systems, in a short time, may
even take over the aircrat in case of
inability of the human pilot.
Finally, although with less
highlight in the technological an-
nouncements made by the leading
manufacturers, a series of stud-
ies should lead, over the coming
years, to the creation of a modu-
lated cabin, allowing a variety of
configurations of a same aircraft,
which may be configured for a
new mission in a few minutes. An
offshore helicopter, for example,
may fly to a platform transporting
passengers and from there fly to
the continent with a cargo inte-
rior transporting components and
even assuming, in case of need, a
search and rescue mission. Just by
removing simple and light mod-
ules and installing others intended
for a given type of mission.
New materials and
better aerodynamics
allow increasing
efficiency and
performance, at the
same time reduce
noise and pollutant
emission
brent
(Brent)
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