Date of Award

9-10-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Donald L. Kunz, PhD.

Abstract

A comprehensive approach to evaluation of rotorcraft brownout under degraded visual environmental conditions is presented. The results of a literature search covering the current state of brownout research are summarized. The brownout dust cloud generated by modern rotorcraft is analyzed and characterized using photographic and video data, coupled with examination of previous computer modeling techniques. A modeling analysis is performed in order to relate aircraft design and operating parameters to brownout dust cloud size is performed. The effect of vorticity in brownout dust cloud rollup is included. An augmented rating scale for pilot assessment is proposed for operational use, and the results are presented for designers and operators to approximate brownout performance of existing and future rotorcraft.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAE-ENY-12-S46

DTIC Accession Number

ADA565391

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