Heli-Student,
Of interest (perhaps to some anyway), the BO 105 Main Gearbox was designed so that it does not carry any flight loads. The Mast and Mast Bearing take these loads and they are carried through the rather beefy titanium upper flange and transmitted by the A-Frame Struts to the fuselage.
On another note regarding Piston Engines; while I agree that there is potential for many inprovements re electronic ignition/FADEC etc., the
over-all idea that automotive technology is far superior always leaves out two
very important real world issues. Weight and power requirements. The average high end sports car has a very impressive power plant. Now run it
at max revs. for 2,000 odd hours and then add up the repair bills AFTER
it has failed and left you at the side of the road.
All the best,
Rigidhead