AE2025

HELICOPTER THEORY

LTPC
3003

OBJECTIVE:
To present the basic ideas of evolution, performance and associated stability problems of
helicopter.
UNIT I DEVELOPMENT OF ROTATING WING AIRCRAFT 6
Evolution of helicopter-Helicopter configurations-rotor arrangements-compound
Helicopter - jet rotor-no tail rotor concepts
UNIT II DYNAMICS OF HOVERING FLIGHT 12
Actuator disc theory-Blade Element Theory-ideal twist Induced & profile power-Figure of
merit-Thrust and power coefficients-calculation of drag, torque, power-Ground effect in
hover- Estimation of hover ceiling.
UNIT III DYNAMICS OF FORWARD FLIGHT 10
Forward flight performance-Parasite drag and Power-Stall limitations-flapping-cyclic
pitch-Autorotation in hover and in forward flight-Dead mans curve.
UNIT IV CLIMB AND DESCENT PERFORMANCE 9
Vertical flight-flow patterns surrounding the rotor-Power required in climb and descentDescent speed calculations-Take-off techniques.
UNIT V HELICOPTER STABILITY AND CONTROL 8
Trim-Static stability-dynamic stability-Pilots control-Rotor control-Flight control
systems and stability argumentation-Flying qualities.
TOTAL: 45 PERIODS
TEXT BOOK:
1. Gessow A & Myers G.C Aerodynamics of Helicopter Mac Millan & Co, 1987
REFERENCES:
1. Gupta. L Helicopter Engineering, Himalayan Books, 1996
2. Saunders Dynamics of Helicopter flight, John Wiley, 1975
3. Newman. S Foundation of Helicopter Flight Halsted Press, 1994
4. Seddon. J Basic Helicopter Aerodynamics AIAA education series, 1990.