Review of Modern Helicopter Constructions and an Outline of Rotorcraft Design Parameters

Abstract

This work contains the results of a modern helicopter construction analysis. It includes the comparison of almost seventy rotorcraft constructions in terms of size in line with EASA requirements – large and small helicopters. The helicopters are also divided because of a mission purpose. The proposed division for large aircrafts is: transport, multipurpose, attack and for small aircrafts: observation, training, and utility. The aircraft construction features are described. Average dimension values of airframes and rotors are shown. Helicopter rotor arrangements are presented in terms of an operational purpose. Next, the rotorcraft design inputs are described. The mathematical formulas for design inputs are given. The ratios are calculated and gathered for the compared aircrafts. Correlation between the analysed parameters is presented on charts. Design inputs are also presented in the paper as a function of MTOW. The function trends are determined to provide an evaluation tool for helicopter designers. In addition, the parameters are presented as possible optimisation variables.

Linking Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) for Early Design of Helicopter Primary Parameters

“…The optimization objective function of the helicopter is to maximize its mission range and endurance f(x) with the same weight, while g(x) defines design constraints, including the flight performance parameters defined by the mission profile and value constraints satisfied by design variables. The values of flight performance constraints and the initial values of the optimization process are based on the general statistical results in the literature [24]. According to the provided data, the tip speeds of all types of helicopters are similar, as the maximum tip speed is determined by its forward flight conditions.…”

Helicopter main rotor FSI analysis using parametric blade model as an application for multidisciplinary optimization

“…This article represents the fourth phase of the research program, following previous analyses of rotorcraft construction and main rotor computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using parametric modeling. The program were preceded with an rotorcraft construction analysis which results were published in [6]. The latter parts included the main rotor CFD analysis using parametric modeling and preparing the blade structure using parametrization, this work were published in [7].…”

Parametrization of the main rotor and working environment for different flight conditions – Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis as an application for multidisciplinary optimization

“…The research were preceded with comparative analysis of commonly used helicopter configurations. The results of evaluation and proposals for construction improvements were published in (Kachel et al, 2021).…”