Innovative Ship/Aircraft Analytic Securing and Positioning Algorithms

On-deck positioning and securing is an essential aspect of rotorcraft shipboard operations. The controlled or restrained on-deck positioning of aircraft is a complicated process that is strongly affected by the unsteady ship motion, the turbulent wind condition, and the aircraft and ship flight deck configurations, such as the type of aircraft, the size of flight deck, etc. This SBIR is dedicated to developing innovative ship/aircraft on-deck dynamics and aerodynamics modeling methods and algorithms in support of effective aircraft on-deck positioning and securing operations. The modeling methods and algorithms under development will overcome the major limitations inherent in the current on-deck analysis tools, including the inability to account for unsteady rotor/airframe aerodynamics and mutual dynamic interaction between the aircraft, the securing equipment, the traverse systems, and the moving ship deck. The advanced analytic tool to be developed aims at improving the design of on-deck tie down and securing devices by considering the unsteady ship/aircraft aerodynamics and dynamics under all environmental and operational conditions. The development will provide the designers of ship, aircraft, and deck securing devices with an advanced tool to effectively design the proper configurations and, hence, facilitate the ship/aircraft integration. The analytic tool will also provide simulation support for rotorcraft/ship dynamic interface analysis and testing, which will enhance ship/aircraft integration test productivity, reduce cost, and increase the safety of test operations.