Aircraft Hover Time Prediction From Engine Power Deterioration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotor and tilt-rotor aircraft face challenges in determining the remaining hover time during prolonged low-altitude, low-speed maneuvers in severe environments, such as saltwater or sandy conditions, where engine performance deterioration is rapid and monitoring exhaust gas temperature is inaccurate and distracting for pilots.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using aircraft sensors and computing devices to obtain performance indicators, calculate power required and available, and determine the hover time remaining by prognosticating power functions over time, allowing for real-time communication of remaining hover time to pilots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pilots monitor exhaust gas temperature (EGT) to estimate hover time, then they can detect engine performance deterioration, but this monitoring process is inaccurate and distracting for the pilot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical monitoring method (pilot visually checking EGT gauges) with an automated computer-based system that calculates hover time remaining using performance indicators and power functions. This substitution eliminates the need for pilot distraction while providing more accurate measurements through computational analysis of engine parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary between the engine performance data and the pilot. Instead of the pilot directly monitoring EGT, the computer processes performance indicators, calculates power required and available, determines hover time remaining, and presents this processed information to the pilot, thereby improving both accuracy and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If pilots monitor EGT continuously during hover maneuvers, then they can detect engine deterioration, but this distracts the pilot from the mission at hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the computer automatically monitors engine performance indicators, calculates power functions, and determines hover time remaining without requiring pilot intervention or attention. The system serves itself by autonomously processing data and providing alerts only when necessary, thereby maintaining reliable monitoring while preserving pilot attention for mission tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pilot's manual monitoring task with an automated computer system that continuously tracks engine performance. This substitution transfers the monitoring function from the pilot to the computer, ensuring reliable detection of engine deterioration while freeing the pilot's attention for mission-critical activities.
3Duration of action of moving object
If aircraft perform prolonged hover maneuvers in severe environments, then mission objectives can be achieved, but engine performance deteriorates rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the hover time remaining at the beginning of the hover maneuver and providing this information to the pilot in advance. This allows the pilot to plan the mission activities ahead of time, knowing how long the engine can reliably sustain the hover, thereby enabling prolonged maneuvers to be performed safely within predicted performance limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring performance indicators and calculating updated hover time remaining values throughout the hover maneuver. This real-time feedback allows the pilot to adjust mission activities based on actual engine performance trends, enabling prolonged hovers to be maintained as long as the engine reliability thresholds are not exceeded.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided that include features for determining a hover time remaining for an aircraft performing a hover maneuver. In some exemplary embodiments, the hover time remaining can be communicated to a pilot or aircrew member.