EASA has undertaken a major two-year research project designed to provide a better understanding of vortex ring state (VRS) in various types of helicopters, determine related analytical and simulation prediction methods, and indicate alternative recovery maneuvers including the Vuichard recovery. The project is being funded by the European Union’s “Horizon Europe” research program.
According to the FAA Helicopter Handbook, VRS or “settling with power” occurs when the rotor disk is using some of the available engine power, horizontal velocity is slower than the effective translational lift, or the helicopter is in a steep descent and applied engine power results in little or no climb performance. Traditional recovery teaches increasing forward airspeed while lowering the collective to escape VRS, but this has limited effectiveness at lower altitudes. The Vuichard method stresses the application of lateral cyclic and anti-torque thrust with increased power.
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