Icing Trial for Qualification of the New AW101 Main and Tail Rotors, Utilising the Helicopter Icing Spray System (HISS)

In January 2009, AgustaWestland's AW101 demonstrator aircraft "CIV01" commenced operations over Duluth, Minnesota at the start of an intensive test campaign to qualify the new BERP IV Main Rotor and Articulated Tail Rotor for use in icing conditions. Through use of comparative data from previous BERP III Main Rotor and Teetering Tail Rotor testing and utilising their inherent similarity, the aim was to gather sufficient data to enable full icing qualification in the course of just one winter's season. This paper explains the process of designing and qualifying the new blades and demonstrates how the Rotor Ice Protection System on the AW101 with the new rotors fitted is at least as effective as that of the current EH101 variants with their proven track record in icing conditions.