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MAIN ROTOR

5.1 - MAIN ROTOR

5.1.1. MAIN ROTOR SUB-ASSEMBLIES
5.1.2. MAIN ROTOR COMPONENTS

5.2 - THE ROTOR HUB

5.3. THE ROTOR SHAFT ASSEMBLY

5.4 - FLARED HOUSING

5.5 - ROTOR BLADES

5.5.1. BLADE SPECIFICATION DATA
5.5.2. BLADE STRUCTURE
5.5.3. BLADE COMPONENTS

5.6 - MAIN ROTOR MONITORING

5.6.1. ROTOR RPM (NR) MONITORING
5.6.2. COMPONENTS LOCATION
5.6.3. ROTOR RPM (NR) MONITORING FONCTIONNING

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5.1 - MAIN ROTOR

The main rotor ensures the aircraft lift and forward flight. The blades transform the mechanical energy from the
It comprises the rotor shaft, the rotor hub and 4 blades. engines into aerodynamic forces (lift).

The rotor shaft, which is secured to the MGB, drives the - Rotor diameter : ......................................... 16.200 m
hub and transmits the rotor lift to the structure. The hub, - Rotation speed (nominal rpm) : .................... 265 rpm
which is secured to the rotor shaft, supports the blades. - Rotation direction : clockwise (viewed from above)
It is the seat of the resulting blade lift and absorbs the
loads inherent in the rotation of the rotor (centrifugal The rotor shaft is inclined forward by 5°.
forces, flapping and drag loads).

5.1.1. MAIN ROTOR SUB-ASSEMBLIES

MAIN ROTOR HUB

integral with the rotor
shaft supports the ro-
tor components

The ROTOR SHAFT

is driven by the MGB, and
supports the main rotor
hub.

The FLARED HOUSING : The SWASHPLATE ASSEM-

to transmit the aerodynamic BLY, which is operated by the
force from a rotating part servo-units, controls the blade
(rotor shaft) to a non-rotating FWD Suspension bar pitch angle (variations in collec-
part (MGB). attachment (Qty 3) tive and cyclic pitch)

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d'EUROCOPTER et son contenu ne peut être divulgué. This document is the property of EUROCOPTER ; no part of it shall be reproduced or
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5.1.2. MAIN ROTOR COMPONENTS

3
1 2 4

MAIN ROTOR
HUB
6

ROTOR SHAFT
7

SWASHPLATE
ASSEMBLY

FLARED
HOUSING
10

11

The splined end of the rotor shaft engages in

the MGB second stage planet gear cage

1 -Sleeve 6 -Scissors driving tube

2 -Spherical stop 7 -Swashplate rotating star
3 -Coning stop flyweight (Qty 4) 8 -Swashplate non rotating star
4 -"Kevlar" belt : reinforcement against centrifugal stresses 9 -4-contact point bearing
5 -Reciprocating stop ring (Kevlar ring steel reinforced) 10 -Flared housing

Ce document est la propriété d'EUROCOPTER ; il ne peut être communiqué à des tiers et/ou reproduit sans l'autorisation préalable écrite
d'EUROCOPTER et son contenu ne peut être divulgué. This document is the property of EUROCOPTER ; no part of it shall be reproduced or
5.4 transmitted without the express prior written authorization of EUROCOPTER and its contents shall not be disclosed. © EUROCOPTER 1998.
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5.2 - THE ROTOR HUB

The articulation of the sleeve is no longer made by con- Coming from technology developed on small size heli-
ventional means (bearings, trunnions etc.) but by a sin- copters (starflex rotor) it is made of two flanges, one fit-
gle part called : Laminated spherical stop. ted to the hub, the other one attached to the sleeve and
assembled together by a stack of metal cups sunk in
Centrifugal reaction elastomer.
Drag oscillation
Laminated spherical stop allows the blade to move around
three axis : drag, flapping and feathering.

Centrifugal force of blade

Centrifugal force of blade

Flapping Centrifugal stress reaction

Feathering
motion

Collective and Cyclic pitch variations Flapping or Drag oscillation

( 1 ) The main components of the rotor hub

Blade pin
Drag damper

Spherical stop receptacle

Blade Sleeve

Laminated spherical stop

Kevlar belt
Rotor shaft

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d'EUROCOPTER et son contenu ne peut être divulgué. This document is the property of EUROCOPTER ; no part of it shall be reproduced or
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5.2 - THE ROTOR HUB (Cont'd)

( 2 ) The blade sleeve assembly
Blade pin assy

Shot pack plug

Fitting bolt

Coning flyweight
track

Shot pack
(for rotor balance)

Pitch Lever

Lower
restrainer track
Threaded plate

( 3 ) The lower and coning stops

On its lower side a reciprocating stop ring «floats» in a ring in opposite direction. On the ground at low rotor RPM
groove. Principle is simple : in flight, only one blade at and at stop the four blades simultaneously meet the ring.
the time may move down (max -7° 40') and thus push the In fact they all stop each other.

Coning flyweight

Reciprocating
stop ring

Low NR <140 RPM : the flyweight Flight NR : the flyweight is centri- Max coning stop : the stop track
is retracted, the sleeve is limited to fuged and accompanies the stop pushes back the flyweight to its
+1°, the reciprocating stop ring lim- track for blade angle >13°30'. own stop set at +20°30'
its to -1°. There are only 2° free-
dom left to the blade.

Ce document est la propriété d'EUROCOPTER ; il ne peut être communiqué à des tiers et/ou reproduit sans l'autorisation préalable écrite
d'EUROCOPTER et son contenu ne peut être divulgué. This document is the property of EUROCOPTER ; no part of it shall be reproduced or
5.6 transmitted without the express prior written authorization of EUROCOPTER and its contents shall not be disclosed. © EUROCOPTER 1998.
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5.2 - THE ROTOR HUB (Cont'd)

( 4 ) Drag damper

Attached between hub and sleeve it carries two functions: The motion of the blade around the drag axis is damp-
rigidity and damping. The rigidity locates the first drag ened to avoid oscillation phenomenon, source of vibra-
mode which means that the blade tend to return to its set tions. This is made by an hydraulic device (two work
position when it is not submitted to the alternate forces chambers separated by a piston and an expansion cham-
around the drag axis; this is obtained by interposition of ber).
hard elastomer between two cylindrical structures, one
attached to the sleeve the other one attached to the hub.

Cylinder secured to the hub

UP

Fluid level sight

Cylinder secured to the sleeve

Filling/bleeding screw

COMPRESSION OF THE DAMPER : TRACTION OF THE DAMPER :

- Lamination of hydraulic fluid through the restrictor - Lamination of hydraulic fluid through restrictor.
- Move of the shuttle valve ; closure of the chamber in - Move of the shuttle valve ; closure of the chamber in
high pressure (B) high pressure (A)
- Intercommunicating of the chamber in low pressure - Intercommunicating of the chamber in low pressure
(A) with the expansion chamber. (B) with the expansion chamber
- Once the damp pressure exceeds the threshold, the - Once the damp pressure exceeds the threshold, the
valve opens to release the excess fluid which is relief valve opens.
nevertheless laminated through restrictor.

Elastomer Shuttle valve

Relief valves

Filling/bleeding
Fluid level sight
screw

B
A

Filling/bleeding screw
Restrictor

WARNING : The drag damper must be always be carried and stored in vertical position, level sight upwards

Ce document est la propriété d'EUROCOPTER ; il ne peut être communiqué à des tiers et/ou reproduit sans l'autorisation préalable écrite
d'EUROCOPTER et son contenu ne peut être divulgué. This document is the property of EUROCOPTER ; no part of it shall be reproduced or
transmitted without the express prior written authorization of EUROCOPTER and its contents shall not be disclosed. © EUROCOPTER 1998. 5.7
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5.3. THE ROTOR SHAFT ASSEMBLY

( 1 ) The swashplate
It consists of two major parts : the non-rotating star and The rotating star follows the attitude of the non-rotating
the rotating star. star and provides the cyclic variation to pitch change rods
The non-rotating star is given an attitude by the servo- and blades.
units controlled by the flight controls. It oscillates round a A scissors drive tube and scissors drive it in rotation.
gimbal which slides along the guide tube. Scissors retains
it from rotating.

1 2 3 4 5

1 - Rotating star turning on bearings (5) 4 - Gimbal

2 - Boot 5 - Bearings
3 - Swashplate guide tube 6 - Non-rotating star oscillates on gimbal (4)

( 2 ) The pitch change rod

The pitch change rod transmits to the blades Between body (3) and washer (6) there are ser-
1
the pitch angles given by the attitude of the rations for fine adjustment.
swashplate. 1 complete turn = 120 serrations = 1°, 1 serration
Adjustable in length by rotation of the body = 30"
(3), it allows blade angle corrections neces- When the index (5) is aligned with the zero of the
sary to rotor dynamic rigging (tracking). An 2 washer (6) and when the end of the key (7) is on
internal device (2) keeps the angular setting the white line (8), the rod is at theoretical length
of the end fittings (1-4) constant. At its up- ("zero" rod).
per end there is a LH thread, at its lower end The reference rod is the yellow rod, it will be ad-
there is a RH thread. Rotation of the body 3 justed at theoretical length and sealed with
makes the rod length to vary. thermo-retractable sheath.
This rod ought to remain at this length.
Main servo
action

5
4

Main servo 7
action Grease
nipple Main servo
action 8

Ce document est la propriété d'EUROCOPTER ; il ne peut être communiqué à des tiers et/ou reproduit sans l'autorisation préalable écrite
d'EUROCOPTER et son contenu ne peut être divulgué. This document is the property of EUROCOPTER ; no part of it shall be reproduced or
5.8 transmitted without the express prior written authorization of EUROCOPTER and its contents shall not be disclosed. © EUROCOPTER 1998.
THM

5.4 - FLARED HOUSING

The FLARED HOUSING is there to transmit the aerody- bears thrust screws (5) and a phonic wheel (4). This lat-
namic force from rotating items (rotor and blades) to non- ter rotates in front of sensors which provide rotor RPM
rotating elements like MGB and structure.The power information (NR)
transmission is made through a "4 contact" ball bearing At the lower end of the external bearing race (2) there is
for a better specific loads distribution.This bearing works a cup washer (7) to collect return oil from the bearing.
differently depending if we are on ground or in flight. The possible metallic particles are so collected and a
The oil from the MGB lubricating system is brought to magnetic plug (3) is there for periodic check.
the bearing by an internal lubrication duct. At the top of the bearing a lip seal (1) is fitted to retain oil.
The inner races of bearings (2) are held by a flared spacer
and a securing nut (6). This nut screwed onto the mast

1
8

7
4

10

1 - Lip seal
2 - "4 contact" ball bearings (dividing the loads
between 4 points reduces the specific
pressures : BETTER RELIABILITY)
3 - Magnetic plug fitted with a felt witness of
11
lubrication
4 - Phonic wheel
5 - Thrust screw
6 - Securing nut
7 - Oil claim cup washer
8 - Lubrication duct
9 - Rigging shim
10 - "O" ring
11 - Rotor Rpm (NR) sensor

Ce document est la propriété d'EUROCOPTER ; il ne peut être communiqué à des tiers et/ou reproduit sans l'autorisation préalable écrite
d'EUROCOPTER et son contenu ne peut être divulgué. This document is the property of EUROCOPTER ; no part of it shall be reproduced or
transmitted without the express prior written authorization of EUROCOPTER and its contents shall not be disclosed. © EUROCOPTER 1998. 5.9
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5.5 - ROTOR BLADES

5.5.1. BLADE SPECIFICATION DATA
Number ...................................................................... 4 Twist .................................................................... 9°30'
Airfoil ............................................................... Varying Airfoil chord .................................................... 600 m/m
0.23R to 0.64R ................................... NACA 0013.112 Length .......................................................... 7310 m/m
0.64R to 0.83R ................................... NACA 0013.109 Weight (bare blade) .......................................... 89.8 Kg
0.83R to R ........................................ Hyperbolic airfoil Oscillating weights .......................................... 12.7 Kg
(R : Rotor radius)

5.5.2. BLADE STRUCTURE

It consists of "ROVING" strips (glass fibers impregnated A set of tabs is used for aerodynamic adjustments. Stops
with resin) wound round the attachment bushes and are there to protect during blade folding maneuvers.
spread along the blade, they constitute the spar. To give A blade tip fairing having a parabolic shape and a nickel
the blade its shape, it is filled, depending on places, with electroplated leading edge is fitted at the very end.
rigid foam, compound, or «Nida Nomex».
Layers of fibreglass and carbon tissues make the skin.
The leading edge bears stainless steel cuffs, overlap-
ping each other, to protect from erosion.

Spar Filling material

(Honeycomb)
Carbon trailing edge
profile Oscillating weight

Skin
Erosion protection

Balance weight
housing Blade folding stops

Roving
Tab
Foam

Marks on blade
lower surface
for pole positioning
(blade folding system)
Blade tip fairing
Stainless steel
attachment bush

"Compound"
filling

Ce document est la propriété d'EUROCOPTER ; il ne peut être communiqué à des tiers et/ou reproduit sans l'autorisation préalable écrite
d'EUROCOPTER et son contenu ne peut être divulgué. This document is the property of EUROCOPTER ; no part of it shall be reproduced or
5.10 transmitted without the express prior written authorization of EUROCOPTER and its contents shall not be disclosed. © EUROCOPTER 1998.
THM

5.5.3. BLADE COMPONENTS

1
At the blade root an oscillating weight (two articulated
pendular weights (1)) reduces blade root vibrations.
2 This device must be locked with a special tool through
the orifices (2) for any handling.
1
3 A slot (3) prevents the installation of wrong blades.

Balance weights fitted in a

The incidence correction (posi-
composite material block allow
tive or negative)is marked on the
balancing on manufacturing
blade root, lower surface.

9 T8 and T9
8
7 can be used
6
5 by operators.
4
3
2 T1 to T7 are set
1 at the test bench
Mooring socket

• REASON FOR THE INCIDENCE CORRECTION

It is not possible to produce strictly identical blades, this In order for blades B and C to enter in the track of the
results in a slight difference in the aerodynamic features, master blade :
particularly the lift. The incidence correction enables these - Blade B pitch must be reduced (-, i)
variations in lift to be compensated with respect to the - Blade C pitch must be increased (+,i)
reference lift of a master blade. This explanation is
illustrated by the figure.

Blade A is the master blade (reference blade). Blade B,

which rises more than the reference blade, has therefore
a greater lift. Whereas blade C has less lift.
–, i
B G

A
G

G +, i

Ce document est la propriété d'EUROCOPTER ; il ne peut être communiqué à des tiers et/ou reproduit sans l'autorisation préalable écrite
d'EUROCOPTER et son contenu ne peut être divulgué. This document is the property of EUROCOPTER ; no part of it shall be reproduced or
transmitted without the express prior written authorization of EUROCOPTER and its contents shall not be disclosed. © EUROCOPTER 1998. 5.11
 THM

5.6 - MAIN ROTOR MONITORING

5.6.1. ROTOR RPM (NR) MONITORING

The pilot reads the rotor RPM (NR) on a triple 4

NR-Nf1 -Nf2 indicator.
An audio warning informs the pilot whenever the rotor
speed MIN and MAX thresholds are exceeded.
For reference only : Nf : Free turbine rotation speed.

The copilot is provided with a single self-contained NR 1 3

indicator
5
2
FREQUENCY
COMPARATOR
1 - LH magnetic sensor
2 - Phonic wheel on rotor shaft
3 - RH magnetic sensor ESS Nf 1
4 - Audio warning in ICS
5 - Frequency comparator SEC Nf 2
6 - Pilot’s triple NR-Nf1-Nf2 indicator 7 6
7 - Copilot’s single NR indicator Note : Nf monitoring is discussed in the engines chapter

5.6.2. COMPONENTS LOCATION

1 - Max speed for rotor braking index

LH magnetic sensor DO NOT BRAKE ABOVE 120 RPM
2 - Nf 2 pointer
3 - NR pointer
RH magnetic sensor 4 - Max NR index
5 - Nf 1 pointer
6 - Window in which the power supply or
operating failure warning flag appears

3 4

2
5

1 6

Co-pilot single Pilot triple indicator

self-contained indicator (NR-Nf1-Nf2 )

AURAL
AIL
OFF

Audio-warning push-button

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d'EUROCOPTER et son contenu ne peut être divulgué. This document is the property of EUROCOPTER ; no part of it shall be reproduced or
5.12 transmitted without the express prior written authorization of EUROCOPTER and its contents shall not be disclosed. © EUROCOPTER 1998.
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5.6.3. ROTOR RPM (NR) MONITORING FUNCTIONING

The phonic wheel is

driven by the rotor shaft.
As each tooth passes, a
Magnetic sensor
current is induced by the
sensor. The frequency of
this alternating signal is toward audio
proportional to the NR Phonic F
warning PCB 16 WWX3
wheel

POWER
FREQUENCY
SUPPLY
VOLTAGE
CONVERTER
G FREQUENCY MOTOR
VOLTAGE SLAVING M
CONVERTER SYSTEM
ESS
GALVANOMETER
POWER FAULT
POWER SUPPLY
SUPPLY

SEC

( 1 ) Copilot single self-contained indicator ( 2 ) Pilot triple indicator operating principle

operating principle

The input signal is rectified and stabilized by the power The frequency signal (F) is applied to a "Frequency /
supply. Voltage" converter, which is built into the indicator and
which outputs a current, the voltage (U) of which is pro-
The output voltage from the converter is applied, via a portional to the rotor RPM. This current actuates a motor
power supply circuit, to a galvanometer (G) which con- (M) slaved to the voltage signal variation.
trols the RPM display.
A flag appears in window :
THE COPILOT SELF-CONTAINED TACHOMETER
PROVIDES AN NR READING, EVEN IN THE EVENT - when there is no power supply to indicator,
OF TOTAL LOSS OF THE ELECTRICAL GENERAT- - should the motor (M) slaving system fail.
ING SYSTEMS.

( 3 ) "NR MIN - NR MAX" Warning System from magnetic sensor

Operating Principle

The comparator only lets through those signals

FREQUENCY
which correspond to an alarm.
COMPARATOR

NR > 290 rpm

The audio warning system outputs a high-pitched tone
200 < NR < 249 rpm NR > 290 rpm
NR = 200 to 249 rpm. 600 Hz/2 Hz 1200 Hz/8Hz
The audio warning system outputs a low-pitched tone LOW-PITCHED TONE HIGH-PITCHED TONE

The pilot may switch off the audio warning by

actuating switch.

AMPLIFIER

Audio warning push button

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d'EUROCOPTER et son contenu ne peut être divulgué. This document is the property of EUROCOPTER ; no part of it shall be reproduced or
transmitted without the express prior written authorization of EUROCOPTER and its contents shall not be disclosed. © EUROCOPTER 1998. 5.13