Disconnecting a Rotor

摘要

According to one embodiment, a clutch may be coupled between a rotor system and a power train of a rotorcraft. The clutch may be operable to disengage the rotor system from the power train during operation of the power train. A clutch control system in communication with the clutch and include a rotorcraft condition sensor operable to sense an operating condition of the rotorcraft and a control unit operable to prevent the clutch from disengaging the rotor system from the power train if the operating condition of the rotorcraft fails to satisfy a predetermined criterion.

主权项

1. A rotorcraft, comprising:
a body; a power train coupled to the body and comprising a power source and a drive shaft coupled to the power source; a main rotor system coupled to the power train, the main rotor system comprising at least one main rotor blade; a secondary rotor system coupled to the power train, the secondary rotor system comprising at least one secondary rotor blade; a clutch coupled between the secondary rotor system and the power train, the clutch operable to disengage the secondary rotor system from the power train during operation of the power train; and a clutch control system in communication with the clutch and comprising:
a rotorcraft condition sensor operable to sense an operating condition of the rotorcraft; anda control unit operable to prevent the clutch from disengaging the secondary rotor system from the power train if the operating condition of the rotorcraft fails to satisfy a predetermined criterion.