conceptual design of a low-cost training helicopter

Conceptual Design of a Low-Cost Training Helicopter

Objective of Thesis • To design a concept helicopter that is low in cost and suitable for training

Research Approach • Use a set of performance requirements to conduct parametric analysis

and determine possible design configurations

Results • A concept helicopter was developed, and its performance and cost are

deemed to be comparable to existing market favourites

Benefits

• Incentivise labour market to increase pool of private-license pilots

• Reduce operating cost of companies that conduct in-house pilot training

Future Work • Update weight estimation equations used in the parametric analysis

• Assess performance and cost of British Experimental Rotor Program (BERP) rotor blade

• Assess performance and cost of diesel piston engines

Author: Liu Jianlin

Thesis advisor: Jack A. Stockford

Components Parameter Specifications

Main rotor

Radius 4.4 m

Tip speed 213 m/s

Solidity 0.036

Chord 0.25 m

Number of rotor blades 2

Airfoil NACA 0015

Direction of rotation Anti-clockwise (view from above)

Tail rotor

Radius 0.792 m

Tip speed 213 m/s

Solidity 0.0996

Chord 0.124 m

Number of rotor blades 2

Airfoil NACA 0015

Direction of rotation Bottom blade advancing

Engine Type Reciprocating (Lycoming O-360)

Power at sea level 134.2 kW

Fuselage Length 6.36 m

Width 1.2 m

Landing gear Type Fixed skids

8.8

1.6

0.5 1.2 2.1

6.8

3.1

8.9

2.0

All dimensions in m

Transparent

‘chin’ window to aid landing

High rotor and

fairing

Partially exposed

engine

Innovative T-bar flight controls used by

Robinson helicopters

Innovative BERP rotor blade

0.0000

0.0500

0.1000

0.1500

0.2000

0.2500

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500

хх

х

х

w = 25 kg/m2w = 20 kg/m2w = 15 kg/m2w = 10 kg/m2

kg

Fuel weight

ratio, RF

Gross

weight 850

0.139

Parametric analysis

General layout of concept helicopter

Estimated acquisition cost: $283,928