Manpads Modeling And Simulation For Rotorcraft Structures Survivability

Shoulder-launched Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) missiles are fast becoming the weapon of choice for ground personnel against aircraft. Highly effective, economical, and widely proliferated worldwide, these weapons pose a serious threat to rotorcraft, which typically conduct operations that place them in harms way of MANPADS during all mission phases. In recent conflicts, data collected involving MANPADS and aircraft suggests that a hit does not necessarily equate to a kill. In addition, innovative structural design concepts may improve the chances of rotorcraft to survive MANPADS encounters, particularly for larger airframes. This paper will describe the methodology currently under development at Bell Helicopter to provide physics-based modeling and simulation of aircraft structural response to MANPADS and HEI projectile detonations. The paper will discuss how the technology will be used as a design tool to increase understanding of the damage mechanisms, and how results may be used to develop new, more survivable structural concepts in a costeffective manner.