21st Century Innovations for the Helicopter
Tail rotor and main rotor impact avoidance warning systems are being researched by a couple of manufacturers. Main rotor strike warning particularly useful for SAR aircraft and tail rotor system for all of us. Lets face it, what car doesn't come with a (lower tech) reversing warning option these days ?
pp.
pp.
Join Date: Apr 2003
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I'd just like rear facing cameras so I can see what's falling off, leaking out, or on fire.
Join Date: Sep 2007
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Of the things mentioned so far,
* Full time single engine performance
* Problem free gearbox
* Camera to see the back of the helicopter
* Ability to fly in icing conditions
On the matter of the gearbox, it is not possible to simply over-engineer it?
* Full time single engine performance
* Problem free gearbox
* Camera to see the back of the helicopter
* Ability to fly in icing conditions
On the matter of the gearbox, it is not possible to simply over-engineer it?
As for the notion of "over-engineering" a gearbox to make it more reliable, I would simply point out that rotorcraft transmission components are already some of the most highly engineered parts in the world. They are designed and analyzed using the most advanced software tools, the highest quality materials are used, the manufacturing processes are very tightly controlled, and the entire design/manufacturing process is highly regulated by government agencies.
In reality, gearbox failures are rare. But when they do occur they can be catastrophic events. The reason is that there is only a single drive path from the engine input stage to the rotor, which can be disabled with certain types of failures. Normally this problem would be resolved by designing the aircraft with redundant and independent drivetrains and rotor systems, but this is not practical. If you or anyone else knows of a solution to this issue I'm sure the OEM's would love to hear about it.
I want a turn key solution. Just like in my car. I turn the key and the bloody thing starts up and is ready to fly. No need for hundreds of boring checks, all that could be automated in todays highly integrated systems, one should think.
How about a modern piston engine for light machines.
When you look at how efficiency in automotive engines has come along in the last 50 years I am sure we could have more efficient designs without sacrificing reliability.
When you look at how efficiency in automotive engines has come along in the last 50 years I am sure we could have more efficient designs without sacrificing reliability.
Join Date: Sep 2003
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I would be happy with a helicopter that has sufficient power to get airborne with:
- full tanks (range of at least 4 hours)
- every seat occupied (6 Pax)
- decent baggage compartment seize
- some reasonable baggage for the 6 passengers
Join Date: Dec 2011
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"A capsule style composite cabin that separates from the frame in a major impact, rather than be integrated into the frame so it is crushed by the gearbox and engine."
Hughes solved this one with the A-frame and Engine relocated to the rear rather than overhead.
It is the main reason the 500 is so darn crashworthy.
Hughes solved this one with the A-frame and Engine relocated to the rear rather than overhead.
It is the main reason the 500 is so darn crashworthy.
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riff raff - all I meant was that if there is such desire to see gearbox issues addressed is it not possible to go a little bit over the top in their design in an attempt to deliver what people want? It was just a question but I am sure gearbox technology is something which, like all engineering, is constantly progressing.
One of my first questions on the forum was about gearboxes and how all the helicopter loading is transmitted through them and how the helciopter's fuselage basically hangs from them. They are obviously at the heart of a helicopter's dynamic systems taking in power, converting it to thrust and bearing much of the weight of the helicopter.
I would be very interested to hear anything you have to say about gearbox advancement over the years such as some of the major advances which have taken place and what you think needs to happen next. If anything.
One of my first questions on the forum was about gearboxes and how all the helicopter loading is transmitted through them and how the helciopter's fuselage basically hangs from them. They are obviously at the heart of a helicopter's dynamic systems taking in power, converting it to thrust and bearing much of the weight of the helicopter.
I would be very interested to hear anything you have to say about gearbox advancement over the years such as some of the major advances which have taken place and what you think needs to happen next. If anything.
More ceramics in turbine engines and all composites in structures and oil less gearboxes. Come on young engineers and scientists stop spending so much time on consumers electronics and do something useful for a change.
Join Date: Aug 2012
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Come on young engineers and scientists stop spending so much time on consumer electronics and do something useful for a change.
Many moons ago Bell were toying with the idea of mercury-filled gearboxes. Quite what benefit this would have brought about I'm not sure.
Let's hope that Cameron's backing of Reaction Engines "Reaction Engines Ltd. can announce today the biggest breakthrough in aerospace propulsion technology since the invention of the jet engine" isn't just a load of heat-exchanged air!
UK Government Invests £60M in Spaceplane Engine > ENGINEERING.com
I would be happy with a helicopter that has sufficient power to get airborne with:
full tanks (range of at least 4 hours)
every seat occupied (6 Pax)
decent baggage compartment seize
some reasonable baggage for the 6 passengers
full tanks (range of at least 4 hours)
every seat occupied (6 Pax)
decent baggage compartment seize
some reasonable baggage for the 6 passengers
Join Date: Nov 2007
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Helistudent-
It is possible to make a indestructible MRGB with current technology. In fact they could make near enough indestructible helicopters if they so chose to.
The problem is, they'd be so damn heavy, they wouldn't be able to fly. Which would make them safer, for sure.
It is possible to make a indestructible MRGB with current technology. In fact they could make near enough indestructible helicopters if they so chose to.
The problem is, they'd be so damn heavy, they wouldn't be able to fly. Which would make them safer, for sure.
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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
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
