Originally Posted by
WillyPete
And Americans claim they hate "socialism", all while their taxpayers support their industries like this.
Got nothing to do with Socialism and all to do with a complicated piece of kit. It had to meet the mil requirement for UTTAS back in the 1970's which includes the usual ballistic tolerance tests, etc. Perhaps John Dixson can provide further insight, as he knew that program pretty well.
My first experience with these blades was on a Seahawk back in the late 80's. It was quite a different approach than the TR Blades on my previous fleet helicopter, the Sea Sprite: and it had fewer parts.
Had the chance to see the assembly/production line at the factory some (uh, many?) years ago: it's an impressive bit of engineering and materials application. Layers and layers of composite are light and strong, with an integral pitch horn for each end. The assembly includes the heating blankets for the anti ice and a bunch of other bits and pieces.
Based on some old notes: the price in 2015 for one assembly was $96,152. Probably a few percent higher this FY. That is a full up installable "pair" of blades on one paddle; I'd be interested to read the contract and find out what goes into the price. Shipping, receiving storing, etc? I wonder.
Cedit for this photograph goes to Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX.
When installed, the two paddles look something like this.
