DEVELOPMENT OF A LIGHT WEIGHT EMERGENCY FLOTATION SYSTEM FOR THE SH-2G SUPER SEASPRITE

The Emergency Flotation System used in the Super Seasprite utilizes a combination of inflatable elements and a large sealed portion of the aft fuselage in a unique three-float configuration. This design approach has made possible a low gross weight fraction for the system, yet it still achieves an exceptional sea keeping stability at the top of sea state 5. In water tank model testing the SH-2G flotation system exhibited a capability to perform a self-induced migration away from broaching during successive wave crest traverses. This characteristic and the very large reserve buoyancy provided by the aft fuselage flotation chamber played significant roles in the sea keeping capability predicted for the system. Fundamental differences in the behavior of three float and conventional systems during the critical wave crest-traversing event have been identified, and are described. Development history and the preliminary design performance prediction methodology used to develop the system are presented. Water tank model testing results are provided, and the service experience with the three-float concept on early versions of the H-2 series helicopters is briefly summarized.