Use of a Portable Programmable Guidance Display in Support of Helicopter Noise Testing

A portable programmable guidance display (PPGD) system was adapted to support helicopter noise testing. Noise measurements using ground microphone arrays require precise flight states: position, velocity and acceleration to allow accurate data post-processing. Current noise testing and model development have introduced maneuvering flight to the test regimen, requiring repeatable, specified speed or flight path changes. Both requirements were satisfied through the use of the PPGD in a June 2006 flight test. Guidance algorithms and display features developed for civil tiltrotor and runway independent aircraft terminal area research were adapted to the noise test requirements, thus providing a new test capability.