Abstract:
In a fully articulated helicopter rotor head, utilizing an elastomeric bearing to support each rotor blade and react centrifugal flight loads, a blade restraint, effective in three axes is provided for use during blade folding for aircraft stowage purposes. The restraint allows the blade to be folded through a predetermined fold plane, and held there while preventing or minimizing deflection of the elastomeric bearing.
Abstract:
In a fully articulated helicopter rotor head, utilizing an elastomeric bearing to support each rotor blade and react centrifugal flight loads, a blade restraint, effective in three axes is provided for use during blade folding for aircraft stowage purposes. The restraint allows the blade to be folded through a predetermined fold plane, and held there while preventing or minimizing deflection of the elastomeric bearing.
Abstract:
A helicopter rotor blade to hub arm attachment configured to react centrifugal loads from the blade through a blade cuff, spindle, and elastomeric bearings utilizes a pre-loaded bolt through the spindle for load sharing therewith and a spindle integrity monitoring indicator to provide a visual showing of a deviation from the normal load sharing proportion.
Abstract:
A helicopter rotor having an even number of articulated blades wherein opposing blades are interconnected by a common spar passing across the rotor axis. Pitch change is introduced to the blade at the spar-blade attachment joint through a torque member connected at its outboard end to the blade joint and including a control horn at its inner end to receive pitch inputs. Drive for the rotor and support for each blade is provided by a spherical bearing directly connecting the torque member to the blade associated hub arm.