Advanced VTOL Technologies (AVT) specialises in the assessment of Ship Helicopter Operational Limits (SHOL's) and other helicopter - ship interface related problems.
AVT also develops ship motion models for seakeeping assessment.
This is achieved by utilising a specifically developed advanced simulation tool OnDeck that can accurately model the dynamic interaction between a helicopter and ship to establish safe ship motion operating limits (SHOL's) and provide operational guidance. The Ondeck model has been in development by the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) since 1988.
AVT have provided analysis services to the Australian Defence Force, as well as other defence forces including the Danish Navy, Swedish Navy and the New Zealand Navy and commercial organisations such as MacTaggart Scott and Prism Defence.
Accurate ship motion data is used where available to kinematically drive the ship for a range of sea states, relative wave headings and ship speeds. Where necessary ship simulation models are developed in house using the propriety ship motion analysis software ShipmoPC developed by Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC).
The OnDeck software is a non-linear time domain code specifically optimised for the development of operational limits and the analysis of on-deck interface issues. It incorporates detailed non-linear representations of the helicopters including accurate representations of the undercarriage and tyres. The code can model wheel sliding and lift off, the interaction with multi-contact surfaces, undercarriage loads, lashing loads, rotor and wind loads as well as the effect of restraint systems like RAST, ASIST, Decklock and the MacTaggart Scott TRIGON system.
AVT can conduct the following analysis::
- predict safe ship motion limits including
- toppling / sliding limits
- lashed limits
- Restraint system limits
- estimate sea state capability,
- assess landing loads,
- airframe clearance,
- optimise lashing scheme layouts,
- produce gear and airframe load data for structural and fatigue analysis,
- assess restraint and ground handling systems,
- At sea OnDeck modelling validation using the MHA system detailed below.
- UAV Guidance
As part of a Commonwealth supported Capability Technology Program (CTD) the software has been modified to provide real time operational guidance and usage monitoring on ships. The Maritime Helicopter Aid (MHA) has recently been successfully conducted prototype trials on the RAN LPA HMAS Manoora, demonstrating potential increased on-deck operational capability, improving safety, airframe usage monitoring and improved situational awareness.
