Principles of Flight

Autorotation
Autorotation is a non-powered flight condition
in which the rotor system maintains flight
RPM by reversed airflow. It provides the pilot
a means of safely landing the helicopter after
an engine failure or other mechanical
emergency.

Unit 5 Helicopter Performance, Limitations, and Load

Slide 5-3
 Principles of Flight
Autorotation
• Helicopters have a freewheeling unit in the
transmission which automatically disengages
the engine from the rotor system in the event
of failure. This allows the main rotor to rotate
freely.

Unit 5 Helicopter Performance, Limitations, and Load

Slide 5-4
 Principles of Flight
• Autorotation
• When the helicopter is powered by the
engine, airflow is downward through the
rotors. During an autorotation airflow is
upward, “wind milling” the rotor blades as the
helicopter descends.

Unit 5 Helicopter Performance, Limitations, and Load

Slide 5-5
 Tip Speed
• If it is too high, shocks will form, shock noise
will rise, power consumption will go up.
• If it is too low, there will be inadequate
storage of energy when autorotative descent
is necessary.
• If it is too low, rotor may stall sooner.
Constraints on Tip Speed

800 ft/sec Noise

Wave drag, high power
Tip speed

Stall
400 ft/sec 200 knots
Stored energy

Forward Speed
 Solidity
• Advantages of high solidity
– Allows hover at high altitude and temperature.
– Permits high forward speed without stall on the
retreating side.
– Permits maneuvers at high load factors.
• Disadvantages:
– Increased profile power consumption
– Increased weight
– Increased cost of ownership
 Number of Blades
• Advantage of fewer blades
– Low rotor weight, cost
– Ease of folding and storing
– Low vulnerability to combat damage
• Disadvantages of fewer blades
– High rotor induced vibrations
– Distinctive noise