Erosion Protection for the AH-1G Low Radar Cross-Section Main Rotor Blade. Volume 1. Sand and Rain Erosion Evaluation
Abstract
The purpose of this program was to design, fabricate, and test components for the composite nonmetal Multi-Tubular Spar (MTS) main rotor blade for the AH-1G helicopter that would give good erosion protection in sand and rain environments, and have a low radar cross section. The report on this program is divided into two volumes: the first deals with erosion protection, and the second covers radar cross section. In this volume, Volume I, a screening process narrowed fifteen candidate erosion materials to two. These were subjected to MIL-SPEC sand and rain environments, which encompassed specified sand-particle and rain-droplet-size populations. Test conditions simulated an AH-1G rotor flying at 125 knots in a 1.89 inch-per-hour rain (959 fps tip speed) and the rotor hovering in ground effect (750 fps tip speed) in the sand cloud it blows up. The tests demonstrated that a 0.025-inch-thick polyurethane material gave the best protection and was easiest to apply and remove for replacement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA035961
Entities
People
- Robert E. Head