U.S. Army and Boeing test new rotorcraft flight control system

MESA, Ariz., 13 March, 2012. Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Army have successfully completed a series of tests on the Adaptive Vehicle Management System (AVMS), an advanced rotorcraft flight control system. AVMS, which has been in development for two years, delivers enhanced maneuverability and safety while reducing aircrew workload and overall operating costs.

A Boeing H-6 helicopter equipped with the integrated AVMS conducted seven test flights in Arizona from Dec. 9 to 21. The tests demonstrated how AVMS adapts the flight controls to the aircraft’s flight condition, environment and even pilot intent. This improves the aircraft’s ability to operate in reduced-visibility situations.

AVMS is a joint development project between the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) and Boeing. The company is competing for the second developmental phase of the project, which is scheduled to be awarded later this year.