Active SARIB: a New Generation of Suspension for Helicopters

The main objective of this paper is to present a new generation of active vibration system for helicopters developed by Airbus Helicopters. The design of this system is the result of an analysis performed through numerical simulations to select the most promising strategy of vibrations mitigation. Different solutions have been compared: classic active vibration control with force generators on the cabin floor, passive suspension based on DAVI system and an innovative active version of a suspension called SARIB®. The reduction of vibratory loads in the vicinity of the rotor pylon with active means appears as the most efficient solution. A development of the active suspension has so been undertaken. The principle of the system is presented firstly in an academic way. Then higher fidelity models are set up to design in details the system and to size it. The active suspension has been manufactured and it has been evaluated through lab test on a full scale mock-up. The test results indicate excellent level of attenuation and they validate the interest and feasibility of the concept.