Research project "Optimization and improvement of the Sokół helicopter main rotor blade structure using new composite materials and new production technology" co-financed by the National Center for Research and Development under Measure 1.1 of the Intelligent Development Operational Program 2014-2020 co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
The subject of the project is the development of a new W-3 () / PZL W-3 () main rotor blade with a modified structure and a new production technology compared to the currently operated one. The project includes the change of selected geometric parameters of the blade and its components and the introduction of new types of materials. The use of the modified geometry of the main rotor blade in combination with the new material will significantly improve the performance parameters of the helicopter and significantly extend the service life of the main rotor blades.
Project duration: 2019-2023.
Total project cost: PLN 27,962,417.88.
The amount of co-financing from the National Center for Research and Development: PLN 15,762,180.46 .
Research project "Adaptive landing gear of a new rotorcraft" (ROLAND project) co-financed by the National Center for Research and Development under the INNOLOT Programme.
Project aim is to design rotorcraft landing gear, with adaptive actuation and electrical retraction system through new conception studies of landing gear architecture design process, performing examination of chosen solution and functional test campaign of innovative landing gear. The project will be applied to the solution of damping heads with piezoelectric system. Advantage of such a solution is optimization of current design on field of extending life limits by reducing maximum transient system loads in takeoff - landing cycles and thereby design optimization which purpose is to reduce overall dimension and weight of the landing gear components. Additional advantage of the system is adaptive possibility of changeable settings versus changeable outside conditions during storage of the rotorcraft on unstable surfaces like ship decks or during transport. As a result of this project, rotorcraft landing gear with adaptive actuation and electrical retraction system will be demonstrated.
Project implementation date: 2016-2020.
Total project implementation cost: PLN 23,379,997.97.
The amount of co-financing from the National Center for Research and Development: PLN 14,027,998.78.
Research project "Modification of an optionally piloted helicopter to maritime mission performance” (HELIMARIS project) co-financed by the National Center for Research and Development under Measure 1.2 of the Intelligent Development Operational Program 2014-2020 co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
The main objective of HELMARIS will be to extend the operational capability of optionally piloted SW-4 “Solo” helicopter through developing its maritime version. This objective will be met threefold by applying modifications in the on-board equipment, developing rotorcraft control algorithms and limited authority autopilot system, and by developing procedures for maritime operations including operations demanding interaction with vessels/watercrafts.
The rotorcraft will be equipped with systems that shall ensure safety increase during missions over water areas in the event of failure of helicopter on-board systems. The flight management system will be developed including advanced control algorithms to monitor both helicopter onshore and offshore operations, especially during landing on vessels/watercrafts. Such system shall have possibility of the optimum approach procedures implementation for rotorcraft landing in different weather conditions, simultaneously including aspects of dynamic stability and controllability of the helicopter.
All the elements of the modifications of the existing on-board systems and new external equipment will be analysed and tested in towing tank, in high fidelity simulator imitating flight dynamics parameters and in real operating conditions of the helicopter
Adaptation of helicopter equipment and autopilot control algorithms shall result in development of the fully automatic rotorcraft capable of maritime mission performance, including landing on vessels, with an option of taking pilot on-board.
Project duration: 2016-2020.
Total project cost: PLN 21,775,631.00.
The amount of co-financing from the National Center for Research and Development: PLN 10,124,847.15.