RVDT specified for Apache attack helicopter

Citation

(1998), "RVDT specified for Apache attack helicopter", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770aad.002

RVDT specified for Apache attack helicopter

RVDT specified for Apache attack helicopter

Penny & Giles Electronic Components has developed a new Rotary Variable Differential Transformer (RVDT) for use on the primary controls of the McDonnell Douglas Apache AH-64 attack helicopter.

The Penny & Giles RVDT developed for the McDonnell Douglas Apache attack helicopter

The Apache is equipped with eight of the RVDTs, two for each of the helicopter's four primary control axes - rudder (directional yaw), collective (lift) and cyclic (fore/aft and left/right banking).

They are fitted to the Apache's Automatic Roller De-coupler Device (ARDD) which is designed to provide the pilot with full electronic control of the primary functions in the event of damage to the mechanical control system.

During normal operation, pilot inputs are fed to the mechanical control system through the ARDD. However, in the event of damage to the system, the pilot pulls hard on the control stick which causes a mechanical de-coupler to disengage the damaged mechanical system and engage the back up electronic control system automatically.

The RVDTs are integrated with the flight management computer and measure the moment when de-coupling takes place.

Details from Penny & Giles Electronic Components Ltd, 35 Nine Mile Point, Cwmfelinfach, Gwent NP1 7H2. Tel: 01495 202000; Fax: 01495 202006.