Aerodynamics of Flight | Helicopter

Helicopter Sideward, Rearward and Turning Flight

Flying Training, Helicopter Flying

Sideward Flight In sideward flight, the tip-path plane is tilted in the direction that flight is desired. This tilts the total lift-thrust vector sideward. In this case, the vertical or lift component is still straight up and weight straight down, but the horizontal or thrust component now acts sideward with drag acting to the opposite

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Airflow and Reactions in the Rotor System

Flying Training, Helicopter Flying

Relative Wind Knowledge of relative wind is essential for an understanding of aerodynamics and its practical flight application for the pilot. Relative wind is airflow relative to an airfoil. Movement of an airfoil through the air creates relative wind. Relative wind moves in a parallel but opposite direction to movement of the airfoil. [Figure 1]

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Airfoil Terminology, Definitions and Types

Flying Training, Helicopter Flying

Helicopters are able to fly due to aerodynamic forces produced when air passes around the airfoil. An airfoil is any surface producing more lift than drag when passing through the air at a suitable angle. Airfoils are most often associated with production of lift. Airfoils are also used for stability (fin), control (elevator), and thrust

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