Sikorsky Aircraft’s R&D wing says windtunnel tests have validated its concept of mounting electronic flaps to make helicopter rotor blades quieter and less prone to vibration.
Sikorsky Innovations said data from testing done at Moffett Field, Calif., will be turned over to the U.S. Army and the Pentagon’s DARPA “skunk works” agency for evaluation and possible use in future helicopter designs.
“We have validated the concept of properly controlled, high authority flaps to favorably impact external rotor noise, and vibration,” said Jim Kagdis, program manager for Sikorsky Advanced Programs. “Our test results show reductions in vibration, rotor hub and controls loading, and a reduced acoustic emission.”
Sikorsky’s sister divisions, the United Technologies Research Center for the blades, and Hamilton Sundstrand Claverham for the high authority flap actuators, were involved in the project.
