Filament Wound Main Rotor Blade - The Army’s New Production Blade for the AH-1

A new production main rotor blade, constructed primarily of S glass/epoxy and Kevlar/epoxy, has been developed for the AH-1 helicopter. The inherent structural advantages and damage tolerance of these composite materials, an advanced aerodynamic shape of improved efficiency, and a structural configuration which enhances damage tolerance have been achieved at low unit cost through the use of wet filament winding and closed die molding. Details of design, development testing and fabrication are reported.