Rappelling Rope Loading

[engaero]

Looking for test data on actual (typical) rope loading during rappelling operations in the field. Ideally I would appreciate data from instrumented tower descents - either as 'g' load history or max rope load/rappeller mass.

I have run searches in PPRuNe and obtained some leads which I am pursuing separately.

Any assistance would be appreciated. Email is not enabled, PM is enabled if you do not wish to post data in the forum.

Thanks in advance.

[Shawn Coyle]

Nice question.
I assume you are doing this for structural loads. Be aware that you should also make the pilot aware of the possibility of the effect of the G on lateral CG of the helicopter.
More than one Jet Ranger has tipped over because of the high loads applied only on one side of the helicopter when someone jumped on the skids.
You might try some military types for this sort of info.

[engaero]

Quite so, Shawn.

Helos do tend to oscillate a trifle when rappellers exit, especially if the loads come on asymmetrically.

The present exercise needs a more detailed look at attachments as we are not able to make them comfortably conservative.