Heli Expo unveiling of X2 (FastForward to 29 sec):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlrqYowMgNI Although Rotorheads got a sneak preview, including that beautifully engineered bearingless rotor hub.
Dave, what i mean is the rudder horns visible at the lower tips on the outboard vertical stabilisers. These increase the aerodynamic loading ahead of the hinge line. They are a mechanically simpler method of fitting trim servos to keep the control forces down.
Nick, that's interesting about full electric servos being difficult to implement in helicopters. I imagine the duty cycle must be far more extreme than even a manouvreable fixed wing, since there will be 1P load variation from aerofoil moment changes. With the upper rotor causing various additional pitch link loads on the lower rotor, from spanwise variations in AOA at least, X2 designers sensibly opted for a hydraulic solution proven on Comanche.
212man, check out the 5th story on this link:
http://www.vtol.org/news/issues106.html
Agusta Westland Starts Fly-By-Wire EH101
Agusta Westland has launched the Helicopter Electro Actuation Technology (HEAT) program for the Royal Navy EH101 Merlin HM Mk.1. The HEAT system introduces an all-electric primary flight control system with electro-mechanical actuators. DC brushless motors, high speed motor controls, and quadruplex fly-by-wire primary flight controls will eliminate hydraulics, accessory gearboxes, and most mechanical flight controls. HEAT promises to enhance EH101 reliability and reduce crew workload, aircraft weight, and aircraft maintenance costs. The system will introduce Advanced Control Technology, including active side-stick controllers and is expected to open ship operating limits in adverse weather and improve tactical handling in low-altitude flight. Agusta Westland previously projected first flight in late 2006.
The third-generation fly-by-wire development effort follows the award of the Merlin Capability Sustainment Plus (MCSP) contract announced by the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD). The contract upgrades 30 Royal Navy Merlins with an option for a further eight aircraft to address systems obsolescence and introduce an Open Systems Architecture (OSA). The Royal Navy Merlin bought 44 Merlin HM Mk. 1s. The aircraft became operational in 1999 and is expected in service past 2030. Lockheed Martin UK Ltd was named preferred contractor in 2003 to assess Merlin upgrades and remains responsible for mission system improvements. Work at Yeovil starts in 2010, and the first modernized Merlin is expected in service in 2013.
The HEAT consortium teams Agusta Westland, BAE Systems, and Claverham Ltd with the UK MoD Merlin Integrated Project Team. BAE Systems provides the fly-by-wire system while the Claverham division of Hamilton Sundstrand supplies the actuators. Agusta Westland has had a HEAT integration rig working at Yeovil in the UK since November 2005 and will integrate the technology into the helicopter.