K-MAX INTERMESHING ROTOR DRIVE SYSTEM

Operating in the repetitive, vertical-lift arena places many unique demands on the K-MAX® “aerial truck” drive system. This paper describes the drive system configuration and the design philosophies that integrate conventional drive system technologies to deliver a simple, reliable, and low-maintenance configuration. By thoroughly incorporating standard design principles, the K-MAX drive system effortlessly handles the repeated lifting cycles associated with helicopter logging and other similar demanding lifting operations. The drive system consists of a single gearbox to distribute power from the counter-rotating intermeshing rotors whilst also reacting rotor aerodynamic loads. In addition, the gearbox provides the special accommodations required to synchronize the two rotors.