
Development of a Dual-Mode Remote Sensor Test-Bed: Integration of the Joint Multi-Mission Electro-Optic System (JMMES) and Multi-Mode Magnetometer Detection System (3MDS) Sensors into the NRC Fly-By-Wire Bell 412 Advanced Systems Research Aircraft (ASRA)
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Development of a Dual-Mode Remote Sensor Test-Bed: Integration of the Joint Multi-Mission Electro-Optic System (JMMES) and Multi-Mode Magnetometer Detection System (3MDS) Sensors into the NRC Fly-By-Wire Bell 412 Advanced Systems Research Aircraft (ASRA)
Authors / Details: Marc Alexander, Robert Erdos, National Research Council of Canada, Flight Research Laboratory; Brad Nelson, Georges Fournier, Defense Research and Development CanadaIn 2010 the National Research Council of Canada Flight Research Laboratory (NRC-FRL) completed prototype development and flight test qualification of a remote sensor helicopter platform for Defense Research and Development Canada (DRDC). Based on the NRC Fly-By-Wire (FBW) Bell 412 ASRA, the aircraft is capable of concurrent carriage of the Generation III JMMES (MX-15D electro-optic (EO) camera turret and computing payload) and 3MDS (tow-body sensor and computing payload) sensors. Anticipated air-vehicle applications for these remote sensors include manned and unmanned, fixed and rotary-wing military assets. Sensor airworthiness qualification indicated no adverse flight or structural dynamics, stable towbody flight dynamics, and no adverse aircraft EMI/EMC characteristics. Sensor functional testing revealed normal 3MDS magnetic noise signatures and MX-15D EO operations. Man-machine interface and human factors engineering (pilot switching, egress) issues were highlighted for improvement. The current flight clearance allows an operational envelope for EO operations to the aircraft velocity-never-exceed (VNE) airspeed of 140 knots. 3MDS tow-body operations are cleared to the aircraft 80 knot slung load airspeed limit. Clearance limitations include a three-member crew, day Visual Flight Rules (VFR) cueing, and FBW systems disabled operations. Over water operations as well as laser operations outside of Canada are currently prohibited. Future enhancements following correction of identified issues include flight envelope expansion as well as development of the capability to interface JMMES and 3MDS with the aircraft FBW flight control system.
