The US Army and Boeing have completed flight testing of the company’s newly developed advanced rotorcraft flight control system, Adaptive Vehicle Management System (AVMS) in Arizona, US.

During the tests, conducted between 9 and 21 December 2011, a Boeing H-6 helicopter equipped with the AVMS conducted a series of seven separate test flights to demonstrate the system’s ability in adapting the flight controls to the aircraft’s flight condition, environment and pilot intent.

Boeing AVMS programme manager James Dryfoos said the AVMS is able to process large amounts of information and communicate with the pilot through forces applied to the control sticks.

"These tactile cues allow the pilot and aircraft to work together better and maximize mission effectiveness," Dryfoos added.

Boeing Phantom Works Advanced Mobility director Steve Glusman said that many elements of the AVMS can be incorporated into the CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache rotorcraft platforms, and could be a key capability in future Boeing aircraft including the Future Vertical Lift rotorcraft.

A joint development project between the US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) and Boeing, the system delivers enhanced manoeuvrability and flight safety while reducing aircrew workload and overall operating costs.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The fly by wire technology, which has been in development for two years, can also help the pilot landing in brown-out conditions in a desert by holding the aircraft’s attitude stable, even in severely-reduced visibility conditions.

Boeing had won the first phase of the $5m competition to develop the system two years ago, and is currently competing for the second developmental phase of the project, scheduled to be awarded in 2012.