Expendable Main Rotor Blade Study. Phase 1.

Abstract

The report presents results of a design study of expendable main rotor blades for the UH-1H helicopter. The objective of the study was to design blades which could eventually be thrown away after extensive damage rather than be sent back to depot for major overhaul. Unit cost, field repairability, resistance to corrosion and erosion, fatigue strength, and damage tolerance were factors considered for maximum cost effectiveness or lowest life-cycle cost. The study was limited to the UH-1 blade, which requires a structural skin for edgewise rigidity. For an articulated rotor blade, some of the conclusions regarding skin construction and material could be different. The study included development of reliability, maintainability, and cost- effectiveness models. In addition, the United Aircraft Normal Modes Computer Program was modified to include two-bladed teetering rotor dynamics. The cost model was based upon the present LJH-lH aircraft to provide life-cycle cost comparisons with the new blades designed in this study. More than fifteen blade designs were generated. They included aluminum, steel, and composite blade designs. The study covered two time frames: 1972 and 1980. The results showed that a low-cost aluminum extrusion with a fiberglass composite skin is the most cost effective blade for the 1972 time frame. This blade, which has 30% fewer parts, was estimated to be 20% cheaper and 75% more repairable than the Bell blade. It is estimated that this blade could save $12 million for a base-line fleet of 1,000 aircraft. For the 1980 time frame, the Sikorsky 'twin beam' all-composite blade has the potential of being twice as repairable as the Bell blade and could save $26 million for a baseline fleet of 1,000 aircraft. (MM)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1973
Accession Number
ADA306235

Entities

People

  • Everett Fournier
  • John A. Longobardi
  • John R. Olson
  • Mario J. D'onofrio
  • William C. Reinfelder

Organizations

  • United Technologies Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Composite Materials
  • Construction
  • Fabrication
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Life Cycle Costs
  • Maintenance
  • Manufacturing
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Working
  • Mechanics
  • Tensile Strength

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.