THE AEROELASTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A JET-FLAP HELICOPTER ROTOR IN FORWARD FLIGHT *

The results of an investigation of the aeroelastic characteristics of an unique two-bladed jet-flap helicopter rotor in hovering and forward flight are presented. The rotor configuration studied utilizes the jet-flap for cyclic and collective pitch control as well as for propulsion. The effects of blade center-of-gravity position, bending-to-torsional frequency ratio, advance ratio and control-flap characteristics on the aeroelastic characteristics of the rotor system are reviewed.