Forks in the Road
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
slowrotor,
I agree with your comments regarding L/D.
You might find the patent 'Optimum speed rotor' US 6,007,298 very interesting. US Patent Search It is directly related to this subject. It is very simply presented and it gives a good understanding about the attempt to take better advantage of the helicopter rotor, for your application.
Nick might not be too please with this suggestion 'cause the information in the patent was later massaged and a second patent 'Optimum speed tilt rotor' US 6,641,365 was obtained. I believe that Boeing acquired this company and it is now submitting one of two Boeing bids for a future heavy lift rotorcraft. These bids are in a competition with two Sikorsky coaxial X2 bids and a Bell quad tiltrotor bid.
Nick,
If my psychiatrist is able to give me a split personality, I work on two issues at the same time.
slowrotor, again,
It is a given that the fewer the blades ~ the more efficient the craft.
This suggests that the most efficient rotorcraft for your requirement might be a side-by-side configuration, with each rotor having only one blade.
Weird, but.....................
Nick, again,
Yes! There is a Santa Clause and a Magic Button.
I agree with your comments regarding L/D.
You might find the patent 'Optimum speed rotor' US 6,007,298 very interesting. US Patent Search It is directly related to this subject. It is very simply presented and it gives a good understanding about the attempt to take better advantage of the helicopter rotor, for your application.
Nick might not be too please with this suggestion 'cause the information in the patent was later massaged and a second patent 'Optimum speed tilt rotor' US 6,641,365 was obtained. I believe that Boeing acquired this company and it is now submitting one of two Boeing bids for a future heavy lift rotorcraft. These bids are in a competition with two Sikorsky coaxial X2 bids and a Bell quad tiltrotor bid.
Nick,
"Concentrating on the blade angle makes Dave's wonder-configuration seem better, but in truth, there are dozens more issues to be delt with...."
slowrotor, again,
It is a given that the fewer the blades ~ the more efficient the craft.
This suggests that the most efficient rotorcraft for your requirement might be a side-by-side configuration, with each rotor having only one blade.
Weird, but.....................
Nick, again,
Yes! There is a Santa Clause and a Magic Button.
Last edited by Dave_Jackson; 29th December 2005 at 20:38.
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Port Townsend,WA. USA
Dave,
Thanks for Karem patent link. He is the A-160 hummingbird (now Boeing) inventor I think. I will study the patent some more later, but keep in mind that patents are not proof of fact. Many patents are useless.
His basic idea of a stiff, thick blade tapering to the tip is much like I would design as well, if I were building a helo....
Also, keep in mind, if the structure can be lighter with a less aerodynamic rotor, then the lighter design may be the best choice.
slowrotor
P.S. Nick should list some of top "issues to be delt with" rather than just teasing us.
Thanks for Karem patent link. He is the A-160 hummingbird (now Boeing) inventor I think. I will study the patent some more later, but keep in mind that patents are not proof of fact. Many patents are useless.
His basic idea of a stiff, thick blade tapering to the tip is much like I would design as well, if I were building a helo....
Also, keep in mind, if the structure can be lighter with a less aerodynamic rotor, then the lighter design may be the best choice.
slowrotor
P.S. Nick should list some of top "issues to be delt with" rather than just teasing us.
