Based fundamentally on the ‘Energy Method’ approach to helicopter performance calculation, a method is presented for calculating performance of a design in the project stage. In another form, less suitable for project work, the equations have been used for performance estimation by the writer for several years. They were found to give better agreement with flight test and rotor tower results than any other method tried. It is believed that the method gives quicker and more accurate results for project work than any so far developed.

The presented method provides quicker and more accurate helicopter performance estimation in project work than existing methods, providing better agreement with flight test and rotor tower results.

A Method of Estimating Helicopter Performance

Key Takeaway: The presented method provides quicker and more accurate helicopter performance estimation in project work than existing methods, providing better agreement with flight test and rotor tower results.