Shawn
I agree with what you say, but think that 'simplicity of function' may be more important than 'simplicity of design'.
Another major obstacle facing helicopter developers is lack of money. This was particularly true of the German companies after the Second World War. Their helicopters were unquestionably the most advanced, but monetary limitations and Allied imposed restrictions did them in.
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Nick,
Your knowledge of the helicopter is vast and your sharing of that knowledge is much appreciated.
Why then must you resort to metaphysics and semantics to defend the tail rotor?
Dave J.: