HAPS or The Helicopter Airfield Performance Simulator is what we use to predict helicopter performance in the airfield area, it allows AEO, OEI or engine failure cases to be simulated/predicted for ODM data generation. We gather real data of aircraft to validate the model which is then used to generate the required performance charts. I imagine it is company property and runs on high end Sun work stations etc here.
In the long run it saves a lot of money and risk as we only need to test spot points and use the model to fill in the rest. Obviously the model needs tweaking for engine/airframe types and combinations but is very accurate when corrected for real behaviour. during flight tests we run the model to advise the aircrew the behaviour they expect during the test point abou to be flown.
It has now been validated for hot and high and temperate operations on a range of aircraft It allows techniques to be developed and tried without endangering the aircraft.
HTH DM
