What is swashplate in helicopter?
A swashplate is a device that translates input via the helicopter flight controls into motion of the main rotor blades. Because the main rotor blades are spinning, the swashplate is used to transmit three of the pilot’s commands from the non-rotating fuselage to the rotating rotor hub and mainblades.
Are helicopters collective pitch?
The collective pitch control (or simply “collective” or “thrust lever”) is located on the left side of the pilot’s seat and is operated with the left hand. The collective is used to make changes to the pitch angle of the main rotor blades and does this simultaneously, or collectively, as the name implies.
How does a fixed pitch helicopter move forward?
The rotor blades are pitched lower in the front of the rotor assembly than behind it. This increases the angle of attack — and creates lift — at the back of the helicopter. The unbalanced lift causes the helicopter to tip forward and move in that direction.
What happens to the swashplate system when the helicopter pilot pushes forward the cyclic lever?
If the swashplate is tilted forwards or sideways with the control stick, the setting angle of each rotor blade changes during one revolution (cyclic pitch adjustment). When the pilot pulls up on the collective, the swashplate moves up as a whole and the pitch of all blades increases simultaneously (collective pitch).
What is a fixed pitch rotor?
A fixed pitch propeller has its pitch determined at the factory when the propeller is made. Its blade orientation was tested and built for a specific airplane to offer the optimal blend of performance and efficiency.
Can helicopters fly upside down?
A few modern helicopters can perform a roll and are hence flying upside down for a few moments but they cannot maintain sustained inverted flight, unlike a fixed wing aircraft. Older machines did not have the power or the rotor technology to make rolls a safe aerobatic option.
Why do helicopters fly nose down?
To accelerate, a helicopter needs to tilt its main rotor system forwards to create horizontal thrust. The main rotor system is attached to the fuselage so the whole helicopter also points nose down as it accelerates during takeoff. 5°-15° nose down are typical pitch down attitudes on takeoff.