Advanced Rotorcraft Transmission (ART) Program Review

This paper summarizes the work accomplished to date on the NASA/Army Advanced Rotorcraft Transmission (ART) program at Sikorsky. A 23% weight reduction has been demonstrated for a high output reduction ratio split path transmission compared to an aggressive program goal of 25%. Greater than 10 dB noise reduction in the cabin is achieved by the use of high contact ratio spur and double helical gears. In addition, mean time between transmission removals (MTBR) have been increased by almost four fold. These performance gains have been achieved by application of advanced transmission technology concepts. Technology areas are being explored which offer high gain but at relatively high risk in such areas as composites, split power gear concepts, double helical gears, new gear materials, high speed spring clutches, and ceramic rolling element bearings. It is expected that the ART technology will be incorporated in future rotorcraft of the 1990's and 2000's.