Rotor-mast-tilting apparatus and method for lower flapping loads

摘要

A method and apparatus for reducing flapping loads imposed on a rotor are disclosed. The method may include flying a rotorcraft comprising an airframe, a rotor, a mast extending to connect the rotor to the airframe, a tilt mechanism, at least one sensor, and a computer system. The computer system may obtain in real time, from the at least one sensor, data characterizing at least one flapping load experienced by the rotor during the flying. Using the data, the computer system may issue at least one command to the tilt mechanism. In response to the command, the tilt mechanism may reorient the mast with respect to the airframe. This reorienting may lower the flapping load experienced by the rotor.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
flying a rotorcraft comprising
an airframe,a rotor operably connected to rotate with respect to the airframe,a mast extending to connect the rotor to the airframe,a tilt mechanism operable to tilt the rotor with respect to the airframe,at least one sensor operably connected to detect a characteristic of the rotor, anda computer system operably connected to the at least one sensor; obtaining in real time, by the computer system, from the at least one sensor, data characterizing at least one flapping load experienced by the rotor during the flying; issuing in real time, by the computer system, based at least in part on the data, at least one command to the tilt mechanism; and reorienting in real time, by the tilt mechanism, in response to the at least one command, the mast with respect to the airframe.