초록 ▼

A collective detent system is incorporated in combination with the flight control system of a helicopter to enhance vertical takeoff flight operations of the helicopter. One embodiment of the collective detent system includes a collective control stick that is pivotable through a range of operating

A collective detent system is incorporated in combination with the flight control system of a helicopter to enhance vertical takeoff flight operations of the helicopter. One embodiment of the collective detent system includes a collective control stick that is pivotable through a range of operating positions from a full-down collective position to a full-up collective position with one of the operating positions of the range defining a vertical takeoff operating position that provides the vertical takeoff power level required for the vertical takeoff flight profile of the helicopter, a trim switch for a conventional collective trim system that is operative to implement a trim mode function wherein the collective control stick can be trimmed in any selected operating position, a vertical takeoff (VTO) detent switch that is operative to generate a detent signal when activated, an adjustable sensor that is operative to generate a stick-position signal when the collective control stick is pivoted into the vertical takeoff operating position, a restraint force generating (RFG) device, and a modified trim system circuit that functionally interconnects the trim switch, the VTO detent switch, the adjustable sensor, and the RFG device in interactive combination. Prior to pivoting the collective control stick into the vertical takeoff operating position, the VTO detent switch is activated to generate the detent signal. During the vertical takeoff profile, the adjustable sensor detects the pivotal movement of the collective control stick into the vertical takeoff operating positions and generates the stick-position detent signal in response thereto. The RFG device is automatically operative in response to the detent signal and the stick-position signal to generate a restraint force against the collective control stick to electro-mechanically "detain" the collective control stick in the vertical takeoff operating position and to impede manual movement of the collective control stick out of the vertical takeoff operating position.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A collective detent system for a flight control system of a helicopter for use during a vertical takeoff flight profile, comprising:a collective control stick that is pivotable through a range of operating positions from a full-down collective position to a full-up collec

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A collective detent system for a flight control system of a helicopter for use during a vertical takeoff flight profile, comprising:a collective control stick that is pivotable through a range of operating positions from a full-down collective position to a full-up collective position, one of said operating positions of said range being defined as a vertical takeoff operating position for the vertical takeoff flight profile of the helicopter;a vertical takeoff detent switch that is operative to generate a detent signal when activated;a sensor that is operative to detect pivotal movement of said collective control stick into said vertical takeoff operating position and to generate a stick-position signal in response to detecting said collective control stick in said vertical takeoff operating position; anda restraint force generating device that is automatically energized in response to said detent signal and said stick-position signal to exert a restraint force on said collective control stick; and whereinsaid vertical takeoff detent switch is activated prior to initiating the vertical takeoff flight profile in the helicopter to generate said detent signal;said sensor generates said stick-position signal when said collective control stick is pivoted into said vertical takeoff operating position;said restraint force generating device, in response to said detent signal and said stick-position signal, exerts said restraint force on said collective control stick to detain said collective control stick in said vertical takeoff operating position and to impede movement of said collective control stick out of said vertical takeoff operating position during the vertical takeoff flight profile of the helicopter.