New Concepts For Helicopter Main Rotors

Within the scope of a research programme, different main rotor head design solutions have been tested, by AEROSPATIALE, on a trial aircraft, in this case a "Gazelle" helicopter having an all- up weight of 4000 lb. (1800 kg.). By applying new technology and using new materials, such as "glass/resin" composites and laminated elastomers, very important progress has been made in the way of weight saving as well as in costs, flying qualities, reliability and maintenance. When compared to the Alouette II main rotor head or to the head fitted to the production "Gazelle", a weight saving of about 40 % is possible with a corresponding cost reduction of approximately 50 %.