Rotorhead

The rotor head of a helicopter is used for the movable mounting of the rotor blades, and transmits the torque of the drive to these.

Construction

Among its components usually include the swashplate, the impact joints, swivel joints, any lag damper and the blade attachment fittings. These are often formed so that the sheets can be folded back by pulling each of a bolt.

The blades are mounted on the rotor head that they can be rotated about its longitudinal axis within certain limits and thus changes its setting angle. The angle change results when control inputs by the pilot, the swash plate in the amount shifted ( collective pitch ) or is provided briefly diagonally ( cyclic pitch ). The movement of the swash plate is transferred to the sheets on which the bumper and mounted to the blade control lever legs.

To compensate for the aerodynamic and inertial forces flapping hinges and pivot joints are used, the latter often equipped with additional dampers. In newer designs with " rigid " rotor head blades made ​​of composites and elastic suspensions are used, so the first time at the Bo 105, and later further developed in the EC 135 or the Mil Mi- 28th Thus, the maintenance costs were reduced and agility are increased.

The rotor head, together with the drive, the most complex and sensitive assembly of a helicopter. Regular pre-flight checks, inspections and careful maintenance of the rotor head are necessary to detect wear or impending damage early on and fix it. The high cost of this contributes significantly to the significantly higher operating costs of a helicopter over fixed-wing aircraft.

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