Abstract:
The AgustaWestland AW609 recently completed the initial testing of the aircraft with all-engines-inoperative (AEI). The AEI condition was simulated by placing both engine control levers to the ground idle position effectively disengaging the engines from the proprotor system. The testing included handling qualities, proprotor RPM management and proprotor system loads while in airplane mode windmilling flight, VTOL mode autorotational flight and the conversion from airplane mode to VTOL while AEI. This paper will discuss the test planning, the development of the technique in the simulator, the results of that testing and the lessons learned which will be applicable to future tiltrotor testing.