Composite Flight Service Evaluation Program for Helicopters

Composite materials offer important benefits to the helicopter manufacturer and. operator. However, these materials must be proven and accepted by the manufacturer, the operator, and the FAA prior to commitment to production. Acceptance of these new materials is largely determined by initial cost and acceptable durability. To determine the long-term durability of these materials in helicopter service, NASA and US Army Research and Technology Laboratories have initiated two flight service programs. Existing metal components will be replaced by composite components on the Bell Model 206L and US Army OH-58 helicopters for commercial and military service, respectively. Performance of these components will be monitored during 10 years of actual flight service.