SHADOW

SHADOW is an experimental helicopter, based on an S-76A, that is exploring the functional, automation and integration requirements necessary for single pilot operation of future military rotorcraft. Reduced pilot workload is the determination basis for optimum configurations. This paper describes the physical aircraft, its flight controls and the avionics that support the workload experiments. Use of new Sikorsky facilities used in the integration process are covered. Initial flight testing has proven the structural integrity of the aircraft modifications. Even with the added weight and drag of the single pilot cockpit, SHADOW has maintained nearly all the original S-76A performance. The avionics, linked by a MIL-STD 1553B data bus, has demonstrated the capability and potential of a highly integrated system. The Fly-by-Wire (FBW) flight controls has permitted a variable stability aircraft whose handling qualities are optimized based upon instantaneous aircraft conditions and pilot input. Using an advanced data collection/experiment control, quantitative data is collected to aid analysis of experiment results. Because SHADOW has the combination of excellent visibility, advanced cockpit design, automation and flight controls, we can gain insight into the questions raised by future single pilot helicopters like LHX.