Introduction to Helicopter

Introduction to Helicopter

                 Helicopter is a type of Rotary wing Aircraft that uses rotating wings to provide lift. Rotor blades rotate about a vertical axis generating lift to move the Helicopter upward along with the help of controls and propulsion. Lift is generated by the relative motion of wing surface with respect to the air.

The helicopter can do vertical flight (vertical take-off and landing) where rotor must efficiently supply thrust force to support to support helicopter weight.

Helicopter has two Rotor Blades

Main Rotor Blade

Main rotor is mounted on a vertical mast head over the top of the helicopter connected with a driven shaft and gear box (to control the speed of the rotating blade).

Tail Rotor Blade

Tail rotor is a small rotor mounted at the tail of the helicopter, position and distance from the center of gravity of helicopter to generate needed thrust in same direction with respect to the main rotor rotates. Connected with the shaft powered from main transmission and has gearbox.

Main use of the tail rotor is to counter the torque, In simple words when the main rotor rotates in clockwise direction the helicopter fuselage structure will rotate in anticlockwise direction if the tail rotor is not mounted, So tail rotor is to counter the torque, and maintain the helicopter fuselage structure stable according to the direction it moves or fly.

Single main rotor and tail rotor configuration combating used to provide the torque balance (yaw control) to the helicopter.

 

Use of helicopters

Helicopters are used for both military and civil purpose:

Military

Search and Rescue Operations

Anti-submarine activity

Air observation

Direct support of infantry, These Helicopters are provided with armaments such as missiles machine guns etc.

Civil

Emergency rescue and medical aid purpose

Agricultural operations

Forest patrolling, forest fire extinguishing

Patrolling of highways, oil pipes lines, Electrical supply lines

Commercial use