Fri, May 06, 2011
Noise And Vibration Reduction Through High-Authority Flaps
Concept Validated
Helicopters normally make a lot of noise, and a great deal of
that noise comes from the movement of the aircraft's' rotors
through the air. This week, Sikorsky Innovations said it has
completed wind tunnel testing of its active rotor system equipped
with high authority flaps. The effort is jointly funded by Sikorsky
and the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate
(AATD).
"We have validated the concept of properly controlled, high
authority flaps to favorably impact external rotor noise, and
vibration," added 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."
"The AATD/Sikorsky Active Rotor Team has accomplished a lofty
goal: to demonstrate the functionality of a trailing edge flap and
closed loop control system," said Chris VanBuiten, Director of
Sikorsky Innovations. "The system performed extremely well over a
variety of forward flight conditions up to 140 knots."
Mark Miller, Sikorsky vice president, research &
engineering, added: "The completion of this wind tunnel testing
provides valuable data to guide future programs such as AATD's
Reconfigurable Rotor and DARPA's Mission Adaptable Rotor (MAR)
programs. Sikorsky remains committed to the maturation of
game-changing technologies such as active control features on
helicopter blades to maximize aircraft performance and
effectiveness."
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