OTHER: Helicopter - Inside - Intermeshing - UniCopter

Characteristics

1. The 'V' angle between the masts can be less than previous intermeshing helicopters, because there are no teetering or flapping hinges and the blades are extremely rigid. This allows the masts to be closer to perpendicular and thereby reduce the lateral horizontal component (pull) of the rotor thrust vectors.
2. There is a 4º coning angle, but no flapping and no lead-lag, therefore rotor-induced vibration should be less. Control should be better because the centers of forces will be quite concentric and there should be little cross-coupling.
3. The rigidity of the rotor assembly will allow the use of six blades and the extra two blades will increase the frequency and reduce the amplitude of the rotor-induced vibrations.
4. The stiffer blades and hubs will allow for the use of more radically asymmetrical airfoil profiles. This is because elastic blade deformation will be reduced.
5. Rotor blade design is a compromise between a number of desired features. ABC, ARR and reduced RRPM eliminate retreating blade stall and advancing blade compressibility, therefor allowing other features to be enhanced.
6. Blades will have greater ground clearance then previous synchropters due to the smaller angle between masts, 4º precone, no teetering, no droop and shorter radius.
7. Response to cyclic inputs will be many times faster since the rotor disks are 'prying' the fuselage into position not dragging it into position.
8. The decreased vibration should result in longer component life and greater safety.
9. The decreased vibration should result in less pilot fatigue.
10. Reduced noise level because of the elimination of the tail rotor and because of the large chord and low tip speed (Quiet Rotorcraft).
11. The intermeshing configuration has a better hovering performance then the single rotor.
12. The ease of flying will allow the pilot to devote more time to performing the mission's task and less time to flying the craft.
13. The elimination of the need for a second person and seat will give the operator an improved field of view, similar to an attack helicopter and the Kaman K-Max.
14. It may be possible to modify the craft so that inverted flight can be achieved. Why?
15. Elimination of accidents caused by the tail rotor. See; CAA PAPER 2003/1 ~ Helicopter Tail Rotor Failures
16. The pusher propeller will provide faster cruise speeds and reduce the thrust required from the rotors.

• The angle of the mast is 3º off of vertical not the standard 9º. The advancing blade has a 1º positive angle at 270º azimuth.
• This means that the thrust of the rotors is essentially vertical.
• The vertical clearance under the blades at the side is greater.
• The stagger is 52" not the standard 28" (32" on the mockup).
• This should mean that there is a better airflow to the upper quadrant of the propeller.

Same Page ~ Different Craft: ~ SynchroLite ~ Nemesis

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