Helicopter Pilots Synchronize Their Altitude with Ship Heave to Minimize Energy When Landing on a Ship’s Deck

Objective: This study aims at investigating helicopter pilots’ strategies to achieve ship deck landing.Background: Helicopter maritime operations are challenging, especially when it comes landing on the moving decks of small ships, such as frigates, which can lead dramatic accidents.Method: Expert pilots were requested fly full maneuver from approach touchdown in an immersive simulator. Two sea states (3 and 4 Douglas Sea scale) their resulting movements used. Changes altitude correlated with heave throughout maneuvers order scrutinize helicopter-deck coupling. The energy impact was measured.Results: dynamics coupling evolved through two phases during maneuver: Initially, no then, phase between vertical displacements displacements. Moreover, reached higher values within last 15 m landing, corresponding a hover touchdown, correlation increased level. might help improving safety since greater lesser kinetic impact.Conclusion: Coupling seems be efficient strategy minimize impact. Questions arise both rationale perceptual invariant behind behavior indicate necessity further investigation.