MULTIFUNCTIONAL COMPUTING AND CONTROLLING SYSTEMS FOR MULTI-PURPOSE LIGHT HELICOPTER Ка-226Т
The piloting & navigation complex developed for the multi-purpose light helicopter Ka-226T includes the multifunctional computing and controlling systems and complies with all the helicopter requirements set forth by the Customer and the Russian Aviation Authorities. The multifunctionality of developed systems coupled with the redundancy of principle functions ensure high reliability and helicopter piloting precision notwithstanding the small weight and dimensions of the piloting & navigation complex. The article describes the operation of multifunctional computing and control systems of the Ka-226T: navigation system, automatic control system, electronic flight instrument system, system of air signals and onboard information monitoring system. Navigation system consists of satellite navigation equipment and the computer which provides complexing of satellite information with the data coming from other piloting & navigation sensors, as well as calculation and output of data concerning helicopter flight path and piloting & navigation parameters. The system makes it possible to use the helicopter under precise area navigation conditions P-RNAV (navigation system is used as the main navigation means). At the same time the navigation system generates the data used for management and tuning of radio navigation and landing systems, performs self-testing and monitors the health status of interacting systems and communication lines using build-in test equipment. Automatic control system not only performs piloting functions but also ensures automatically controlled en-route flight following the navigation system failure. In doing so it automatically takes over the following backup navigation modes: dead-reckoning of the helicopter geographical coordinates through air speed; computation of the parameters necessary to continue the en-route flight at the sub-modes “Stabilization of desired heading” or “Stabilization of desired track”. Electronic flight instrument system is the principle piloting & navigation indicator, which also manages the weather radar, tunes the radio navigation and landing systems and sets up the desired track angle.