Floaties For Tiger/army Helos On Lhds

[Luig]

Australia Works On Keeping Helos Afloat, More | Aug 25, 2011 By Robert Wall

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/asd/2011/08/25/04.xml&headline=AustraliaWorks On Keeping Helos Afloat, More-

“LONDON — The Australian defense ministry is financing research efforts aimed at keeping helicopters afloat when they land on water.... These are two of five new projects the government is funding under its Defense Capability and Technology Demonstrator activity. The total funding for the five programs, which were selected from 119 candidates, is A$13 million (U.S. $13.65).

The work on the so-called Pegasus Aircraft Buoyancy System is being pursued with an eye on deploying army rotorcraft on the new LHD-class landing helicopter dock ships. The Australian Army, for instance, is looking to deploy Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters on the vessels. The Pegasus system is designed to keep a 10-metric-ton helicopter afloat or raise it to the surface if submerged to a depth of 10 meters (33 ft.). The device itself would add 50 kg (110 lb.) to the helicopter, & would operate automatically or under pilot control, the Australian government says in awarding the work to L-3 Nautronix & AADI Defense...."

[Aardvark]

I think there are some flotation and self righting bags left over from the F-111 Crew Modules, maybe Defence could save some money and do an 'In House' mod.