The Collaborative Development of New CFD Methods Adapted for Tilt Rotor Aircraft in the HiPerTilt Project

Abstract

Following new requirements for CFD tools regarding tilt rotor aircraft, Leonardo Helicopters, partnering with the Universities of Bristol and Glasgow and Innovate UK, launched the HiPerTilt project, aimed at designing and validating new methods adapted to new aircraft. It was also required that these methods should be compatible with conventional helicopters. The project, focusing on both the airframe and the rotor aerodynamics, was split in five work packages, and the main achievements are described in this paper. The new methods have proven efficient and adapted for use in industrial processes. The strong cooperation between the partners, associated with the expertise of the partnering Universities, was one of the key factors contributing to the success of the project.