Electric Aircraft Recovery System (EEAS)

The anticipated growth in aircraft weight and landing speed exceeds the capability of existing arresting systems. The proposed program can design an Electric Aircraft Recovery System (EARS) operating under closed loop control for an aircraft of up to 80,000 lbs. landing at 160 knots. In addition the safety and reliability of the system can be improved at reduced maintenance requirements and reduced system weight and volume. EARS is applicable to current and developmental carrier- and land-based aircraft. Specific electric machine types and control strategies are tentatively reviewed herein; but the conclusion of the study to be performed is not yet known. The proposed effort is for a technology assessment and technical tradeoff study coupled with a conceptual design effort. Performance parameters such as arrest controllability, off-center engagement tolerance, aircraft weight growth, aircraft landing speed growth, etc. shall be calculated and compared. A complete conceptual design, including systems analysis, shall be performed to explore the technical operations of the system. Innovative concepts such as deck pendant time delay or smart deck pendants will be considered during this study as part of the engagement/controls/machine interaction. An option is presented for fabrication of an operating table top model and video documentation.