Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-xbtfd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-09T16:17:41.323Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

A vectored-thrust rotor for helicopter anti-torque applications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

W. G. Molyneux
W. G. Molyneux*
Affiliation:
RAE, Farnborough
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Summary

A rotor concept is described that enables the generation of a controlled thrust vector in any direction within the rotor’s sphere of action. It is suggested that a rotor of this kind might replace the entire tail unit of the ‘conventional’ single-rotor helicopter to provide a lighter, more compact layout of improved performance. An active control system might be required for the ‘flying-tail’ layout envisaged.

Some of the structural and mechanical design problems that are posed by a vectored-thrust (VT) rotor are briefly discussed and are seemingly tractable by exploiting the potential of advanced composite materials.

No assessment is made of the aerodynamic performance of a VT rotor, nor of the helicopter configurations or operational scenarios where a VT rotor might prove advantageous. Some limited assessments of this kind seem merited.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 87 , Issue 869 , November 1983 , pp. 357 - 360
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1983 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Velasquez, J. L. Advanced anti-torque concepts study. USAAMRDL Tech Rep 71-44, US Army, August 1971.Google Scholar
2. Grumm, A. W. and Herrick, G. E. Advanced anti-torque concepts study.Google Scholar
3. Akeley, C. R. and Carson, G. W. Fan-in-fuselage advanced anti-torque system, USAAMRDL Tech Rep 74-89, US Army, November 1974.Google Scholar
4. Davidson, J. K. and Harvey, C. T. and Sherrieb, H. E. Fan-in-fin anti-torque concept study, USAAMRD Tech Rep 72-44, US Army, July 1982.Google Scholar
5. Raitch, F. Summaryof anti-torque devices other than tail rotors. Proceeding of the National Symposium on Helicopter Aero dynamic Efficiency, American Helicopter Society, March 1975.Google Scholar
6. Marchetti, A. Stabiliser for flying apparatus sustained by propellors. US Patent 1 519 866. December 1924.Google Scholar