Significant loads may be imparted to the helicopter and deck structure during landings, particularly in high sea states.
Damage to the helicopter or failure of the deck structure may also result in flight deck inoperability, and the potential risk of fire.
The Ondeck code allows a wide range of initial conditions of the helicopter and ship to be accurately modeled and can account for the motion of the deck, helicopter attitude, descent and drift rates. Variations in rotor thrust can be approximately accounted for.
A batch procedure enables all combinations to be investigated rapidly.
Top : Simulation images showing the Seahawk impacting on a RAN ship
Bottom: Typical results from a deck strength study
Left: Seahawk approaches the landing deck