Application of air drying technology for helicopter protection in tropical conditions of Vietnam

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental results in applying air drying technology developed by the Vietnam- Russia Tropical Centre for protecting EC-155 helicopter against the adverse effects of high humidity in the tropical climate. The essence of this technology is using an ITM- OY7 air dryer, that is placed outside the helicopter, to force dry air into helicopter compartments through an air duct. The ITM- OY7 was fabricated by the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre. The test was conducted for 14 months (from April 2019 to June 2020) at an Air force unit in Hanoi. The results showed that air drying technology application helped reduce and maintain relative humidity in the EC-155 helicopter cabin at an average of 60%, while average humidity in the shelter ranges from 70% to 92%. These results are the basis for expanding application of the air drying technology in other Air and Air Defense Force units in protecting helicopters from harmful effects of the tropical climate.