Swept Tip Design Trade Study - New Affordable Main Rotor Blade for the AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopter

摘要

An in depth trade study was conducted to determine the best design and construction methodology lor the swept tip structure of a new composite main rotor blade for the AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter. The selection was influenced by the cost reduction and improved performance goals of the Affordable Apache Rotor Program (AARP). The results of this study established the design configuration that was carried forward into the detail design and fabrication of the AARP main rotor blades. The bonded swept tip leading edge design option was selected over the mechanically fastened options because it provides the best opportunity for meeting the acquisition cost, operation and support (O&S) cost and system performance goals of the AARP program while fulfilling the operational requirements of the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter. None of the design options that were investigated provided the best solution in all categories examined in the study. The chosen design solution was determined to offer the best combination of design characteristic while offering the lowest projected total life cycle cost to the U.S. Army.