Main Rotor Blade Tracking Solutions for High Strain Environments

摘要

An in depth trade study was conducted to determine the best design and construction methodology for the tracking tabs on a prototype design of a new composite main rotor blade for the AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter. The selection was influenced by the 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 prototype AARP main rotor blades. The segmented metal/elastomer hybrid tab assembly was selected over other design options because it offered the best opportunity for meeting the fatigue life goal of 10,000 hours while providing a solution that is adjusted and functions similar conventional metal tracking tabs. The achievement of these goals helped meet the 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. Through material and sub-component testing of the hybrid tab, the design successfully demonstrated an ability to meet the fatigue life goal. During the flight test phase, the metal/elastomer hybrid tab did not provide satisfactory results during rotor tracking on the prototype blades during. This was ultimately attributed to insufficient bending stiffness of the tab installation.