Experimental study of a helicopter model in shipboard operations

The paper presents the experimental investigation of aerodynamic interaction between a helicopter model and ship with simplified geometry. In first phase experiment, series wind tunnel tests were carried out in order to study flow features on flight deck for several conditions, without presence helicopter. Pressure measurements Particle Image Velocimetry surveys performed assess effect velocity direction field landing region over deck. Moreover, Atmospheric Boundary Layer was investigated. second campaign, positioned points representative typical stern trajectory vertical descent above spot. maneuver three different including no-wind, head blowing from port side rotor loads moments measured by means six-axis balance all test points. use measurement techniques present experiments provides comprehensive database suitable rotor-ship interaction. Additionally, results are used develop an identification algorithm be incorporated into simulator environment capture airwake during shipboard operations.