DTIC AD0771037: Dynamic Model Wind Tunnel Tests of a Variable-Diameter, Telescoping- Blade Rotor System (TRAC Rotor)

by: Defense Technical Information Center

Publication date: 1973-07-01

Topics: DTIC Archive, Fradenburgh, Evan A, UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP STRATFORD CT SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT DIV, *ROTOR BLADES(ROTARY WINGS), *HELICOPTERS, *EXTENDABLE STRUCTURES, STRESSES, VIBRATION, EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN, WIND TUNNEL TESTS, ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT, BLADE AIRFOILS,

Collection: dticarchive; additional_collections

Language: English

An analytical and experimental program was conducted to establish feasibility and determine characteristics of the Sikorsky TRAC rotor system, which is a unique variable-diameter, telescoping-blade concept for advanced rotary-wing aircraft. The program included a preliminary design study of a full-scale blade, wind tunnel tests of a dynamically scaled rotor model in various flight modes, and correlation of experimental results with theory. Feasibility was established for the TRAC rotor operating both as a high-speed compound helicopter and as a stopped/stowed rotor configuration. The basic blade structural design and the retraction system were verified with the model, which was scaled for operation at full tip speeds and forward speeds.