Automated Helicopter Suspended Load Stability System for Hoist Rescue Operations

Vita Inclinata Technologies proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of an autonomous, unmanned suspended load stability system for integration into all rotary wing Search and Rescue (SAR) & sling load operations. Helicopter SAR missions are often subject to adverse conditions attributed to environmental elements, flight dynamic side effects, degraded communications, and enemy threats. These adverse conditions cause complicating, dangerous, and mission aborting suspended load translational and rotational motion. The proposed solution, referred to as the Load Stability System (LSS), eliminates 95% of the suspended load motion by exerting counterforce sourced from high performance Electric Ducted Fans (EDFs), at, or near, the location of the load, from a standalone device. Consequently, the system enhances mission safety and reduces communication fault impacts by completely relieving the pilot and crew of suspended load stability responsibilities. Moreover, the performance envelope of such operations is increased by integrating the capability for the LSS to dynamically control load location, regardless of aircraft motion. Vita is collaborating with industry OEMs on integrating the technology into the current & future helicopter rescue systems.