The flying helicopter simulator is a unique testbed for the development of innovative airborne systems.The original mechanical control system of this EC 135 helicopter is replaced by a full authority fly-by-wire/fly-by-light control system.
Basic essentials of the technologies, integrated in the EC 135 FHS, are the fibre optic data links in the primary control system, smart actuators and sensors, a modular system architecture and latest avionics. As a flying simulator, the EC 135 FHS is able to change its flight characteristics. As a joint development by DLR, Eurocopter Germany (ECD) and Liebherr Aerospace Lindenberg (LLI) the range of application is:
- Test bed for innovative control and guidance systems including in-flight simulation
- Integration of active side arm controller
- Test bed for pilot assistance systems
- Integration und evaluation of modern sensors and vision systems
- Evaluation of handling qualities
- Training of test pilots and flight test engineers
System architecture: Fail-safe Core System and flexible Experimental System
- Core system: Full authority digital fly-by-light primary control system
- 4 Times redundant components
- Smart actuators
- Software level A
- Immunity to electro-magnetic interference
- High data rate due to fibre optics
- Signal control and limiter functions
- Experimental system: High flexibility to meet user needs
- Powerful computer for simulation
- Flexible standard interfaces
- Extensive instrumentation, data recording and telemetry
- Programmable multifunctional displays
- Additional capability for individual user equipment
Basic Data EC-135T1 / FHS
| Length |
12,16 m |
| Max. Take-off mass |
2835 kg |
| Rotor diameter |
10,20 m |
| Engines (Turbomeca) |
2 x 415 kW |
| Crew workstations |
3 |
| Cruise speed |
220 km/h |
| Max. Speed |
280 km/h |