Estimation of the take-off weight of a combat helicopter with specified performance on the basis of the existence equation

Due to the effective use of the results of scientific and technological progress, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are constantly equipped with new weapon systems, which fully applies to aviation. The Aerospace Forces receive modern combat (attack) helicopters, the effectiveness of which is largely determined by its performance and operational characteristics. The specificity of strike missions, the possibility of operation from sites, the need to operate at extremely low altitudes and in conditions of strong countermeasures of enemy air defense in a rapidly changing environment impose unique requirements to the performance of modern combat helicopters. The corresponding performance of attack helicopters are provided by the features of their design and layout. The existence equation allows to relate the performance of a helicopter with its technical parameters and take-off weight. The paper offers a method for approximate determination of the normal take-off weight of a modern combat helicopter based on the existence equation. This method is based on expressions showing the dependence of the relative masses of helicopter parts with its performance and technical parameters. These expressions are obtained on the basis of generalization of the material of existing sources and their updating to the weight calculation of aircraft with performance and technical parameters of corresponding modern combat helicopters. On the basis of the offered approach, a program for a personal computer was developed, through which the normal take-off weight was determined and the weight analysis of the parts of the helicopter in service was carried out. The obtained results are in satisfactory agreement with the prototype data. The developed methodology and program can be used in research to substantiate the tactical, technical and operational requirements for modern combat helicopters, as well as in choosing areas of modernization and analyzing the interdependence of tactical, operational and technical properties of combat (transport and combat) helicopters in service.