Development of an innovative and safe ultralight two-seater turbine helicopter

Project Information

DISRUPT

Grant agreement ID: 691436

DOI

10.3030/691436

Project closed

EC signature date 10 December 2015

Start date 1 January 2016

End date 30 June 2018

Funded under

• Horizon 2020 Framework Programme

Total cost

€ 4 104 787,50

EU contribution

€ 2 873 351,25

Coordinated by

SOCIETA PER AZIONI CURTI -COSTRUZIONI MECCANICHE
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - DISRUPT (Development of an innovative and safe ultralight two-seater turbine helicopter)

Reporting period: 2017-01-01 to 2018-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Ultralight helicopters are used for a variety of transportation needs, attracting users from the recreational, private and public market segments because of their agility and convenient storage and transportation capacities. However, most ultralight helicopters on the market today are designed and manufactured with technology dating back to the 1980s. This creates a serious safety issue in adverse weather conditions. Indeed, ultralight helicopter accidents caused an estimated 57 deaths in Europe in 2013. The principal cause of these accidents is “Loss of Control-In Flight”. Many of these accidents could have been prevented with better ultralight helicopter designs and more powerful engines.

The DISRUPT (Development of an innovative and safe ultralight, two-seater turbine helicopter) project is a state-of-the-art concept to manufacture a new and improved ultralight helicopter. Our helicopter design, turbine engine and parachute safety mechanism will make ultralight helicopter flights safer for passengers and reduce the number of tragedies caused by loss of pilot control.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Ground test benches have been designed, manufactured and employed to clear helicopter and turbine parts for complete helicopter prototype tests. A string of ground tests has been successfully completed. The turbine has been fine-tuned to the project needs. The rescue system has been designed and is being manufactured. Interim commercialization and dissemination plans have been produced.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

As the helicopter is designed with EASA CS-27 rules in mind it employs the latest technological advances in composite material construction in the manufacturing of the blades and the body of the DISRUPT prototype. Modern turbine design with advanced ECU software algorithms power the prototype. Innovative rescue system design including smart opening solutions and lightest and most performing parachute materials and composites for the containment box. The project is on track to deliver a safer alternative ultralight rotorcraft with a 21st century design.

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