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A vectored-thrust rotor for helicopter anti-torque applications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

W. G. Molyneux
W. G. Molyneux*
Affiliation:
RAE, Farnborough
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Summary

A rotor concept is described that enables the generation of a controlled thrust vector in any direction within the rotor’s sphere of action. It is suggested that a rotor of this kind might replace the entire tail unit of the ‘conventional’ single-rotor helicopter to provide a lighter, more compact layout of improved performance. An active control system might be required for the ‘flying-tail’ layout envisaged.

Some of the structural and mechanical design problems that are posed by a vectored-thrust (VT) rotor are briefly discussed and are seemingly tractable by exploiting the potential of advanced composite materials.

No assessment is made of the aerodynamic performance of a VT rotor, nor of the helicopter configurations or operational scenarios where a VT rotor might prove advantageous. Some limited assessments of this kind seem merited.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 87 , Issue 869 , November 1983 , pp. 357 - 360
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1983 

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References

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