DESIGN ENGINEERING PROJECT INITIAL BRIEFING SHEET PERSONAL WEAPON STOWAGE FOR THE GAZELLE HELICOPTER A helicopter on
Question:
DESIGN ENGINEERING PROJECT INITIAL BRIEFING SHEET
PERSONAL WEAPON STOWAGE FOR THE GAZELLE HELICOPTER
A helicopter on the ground
Description automatically generated with medium confidence
Introduction
The Gazelle Helicopter is an Army asset, one of many aircraft, that are maintained by REME personnel, who are trained at MOD Lyneham. There are currently two trades within the REME; Aircraft Technicians and Avionics Technicians. Aircraft Techs work on the airframe, engines, hydraulics and propulsion systems, whereas Avionic Techs maintain the electrical and radio systems on the aircraft.
The Gazelle is a basic helicopter with one Turbomeca Astazou engine, three main rotor blades and a fenestron shrouded tail rotor. It has a maximum speed of Mph and a maximum mass of Kg It is routinely flown by pilots but can be flown solo and has space for personnel in the rear seats.
It has proved to be a reliable asset for Army Aviation for decades. Its main purpose is to observe and provide a reconnaissance capability from the air using its searchlight and advanced camera technology fitted dependant on the role. The Gazelle can also be utilised in a casualty evacuation role, having a stretcher facility, and is also used for personnel transport, carrying anyone from VIPs to Special Forces soldiers.
It can operate in demanding environments such as the Arctic, desert and arduous mountain terrain. With a fuel tank capacity of kg the aircraft can fly for up to hours covering around miles of range.
Vital Statistics Gazelle
Crew: Pilot and copilot with capacity for rear passengers
Length: m
Main rotor diameter: m
Height: m
Main rotor area: m
Gross Weight: kg
Max speed: kph
Range: km
Service ceiling: m
Rate of climb: ms
Engine: Turbomeca Astazou III N SHP
Background
The cockpit of the Gazelle aircraft is extremely limited in terms of space, especially when carrying the maximum amount of personnel. When flying inside danger zones, there poses a risk of becoming isolated in the case of a downed aircraft incident. This could be anything from a mechanical issue or an avionic fault resulting in an emergency landing. Therefore, there is a necessity for both pilots and passengers to be armed in order to protect themselves. A new requirement has been identified whereby the Delivery Team for Gazelle have requested the ability to safely stow SA weapon systems for all stations. Furthermore, there could be consideration for this stowage to hold the Armys KS weapon system in the future.
At present Pilots and passengers are having to hold their weapons or put them in what little space is available which poses a risk to life and to the Airworthiness of the aircraft. With the Military Aviation Environment MAE aligning to Civilian Aviation Environment CAE regulation, there needs to be an approved and safe method of stowing all personal weapons when flying. The weapon systems, when not stowed, can cause damage to the airframe, and pose a risk to personnel in the event of a hazardous incident crash.
Weapon stowage brackets have already been designed, tested and fitted to the Apache mk for use by the Pilot and CoPilot Gunner. However, due to the everevolving environment, the Army is scoping how we will fight in the future. The Gazelle may provide solutions. This aircraft could be used to strike at speed, with precision and from a distance reacting fast to flare ups in conflict. Attacking in smaller more agile teams, being as lean and agile as possible. This will minimise the logistical drag and align with latest Army combat doctrine. All will lower the signature and footprint of forces, and it is clear aviation is a key enabler for future warfare.
Task
Consider how the Gazelle can stow SA weapon systems, what affects there may be on the aircraft during varying modes of operation and where the best place is to stow them.
Design a means of safely stowing the weapon systems on the aircraft which must be robust but have minimal change to the overall weight of the Gazelle. Safety and Airworthiness must be at the forefront of all design features.
Statement of Need
To be able to safely and securely stow SA weapon systems on the Gazelle helicopter.
Auditing and Assurance services an integrated approach
ISBN: 978-0132575959
14th Edition
Authors: Alvin a. arens, Randal j. elder, Mark s. Beasley