Originally Posted by Ascend Charlie
So, how can anybody design a "benign, failsafe machine" for R22 prices?
That's the point i am trying to make, Ascend Charlie. The groundwork has already been done.
Lockheed successfully implemented an entirely mechanical (read simple) control system that allowed the pilot to have extremely good control over a very stable light helicopter.
http://www.nasm.edu/research/aero/ai...heed_cl475.htm
http://avia.russian.ee/helicopters_e..._cl-475-r.html
Due to problems with the AH-56, in particular cambered aerofoil flexural divergence, Lockheed was forced to walk away from helicopters with nothing to show for years of dedicated passion but a huge financial loss. The CL-475 system pioneered by Irwin Culver, became the forerunner of modern FBW systems - the pilot flies the gyro while the gyro is flying the helicopter. At the same time mechanical system became synonymous with Bell and Hiller bars, but never ever resurfaced in the original form with the amazing level of flyability demonstrated by Lockheed.
Mart