Do helicopters change gears?

Helicopter gearboxes have a constant speed. By shifting from one gear to the other, the engine can remain within the intended speed range and thus consume as little fuel as possible. There is no gear change in helicopter gearboxes. The rotor speed remains constant and fuel consumption cannot be regulated.

Does a helicopter have a clutch?

A clutch allows the engine to be started and then gradually pick up the load of the rotor. How the clutch engages the main rotor system during engine start differs between helicopter design. Piston-powered helicopters have a means of engaging the clutch manually just as a manual clutch in an automobile.

How does a helicopter transmission work?

The transmission system transfers power from the engine to the main rotor, tail rotor, and other accessories during normal flight conditions. The freewheeling unit, or autorotative clutch, allows the main rotor transmission to drive the tail rotor drive shaft during autorotation. …

Do helicopters drive?

One does not drive helicopters. One flies or pilots aircraft, including helicopters, which can include hovering. Even on the ground, for helicopters with wheels, the verb would be “taxi.”

How many gears does a helicopter have?

It comprises of various sections which transmit power from the transmission to the tail rotor through two gearboxes.

What is MGB in helicopter?

The condition monitoring of helicopter main gearbox (MGB) is crucial for operation safety, flight airworthiness and maintenance scheduling.

What are helicopter rotors made of?

Rotor blades are made out of various materials, including aluminium, composite structure, and steel or titanium, with abrasion shields along the leading edge. Rotorcraft blades are traditionally passive; however, some helicopters include active components on their blades.

Can a helicopter fly in reverse?

Unlike an airplane, a helicopter can fly backwards or sideways. It also can hover in one spot in the air without moving. This makes helicopters ideal for things an airplane cannot do.

What happens if a helicopter loses its tail rotor?

The helicopter will immediately begin spinning and the pilot will need to close the throttle and perform a hovering autorotation. In addition to issues resulting from the loss of tail rotor thrust, the helicopter will pitch down and the pilot most likely will not have sufficient aft cyclic movement to recover.

Can a helicopter fly without power?

Helicopters can glide in case of an emergency (engine failure) albeit in a manner much different than fixed-wing airplanes. Though helicopters do not have any fixed wings, their rotor blades can act like rotating wings, making sure sufficient lift is available for the helicopter to glide till safe landing.

What is the purpose of the gearbox in a helicopter?

The main purpose of a helicopter main gearbox or transmission is to reduce output rpm of the engine to most suitable level for driving the main rotors and tail rotors of a helicopter. For example, a helicopter having an engine output rpm of 6000 but operates a rotor at 300 rpm.

What is the lubrication system of a helicopter transmission?

Similarly, Transmissions of helicopters normally have their own lubrication system and functions of which include lubrication, cooling and internal cleaning of internal components. Level of oil is checked through a sight gauge which may be two or more at different locations depending upon the design of a specific transmission.

Where is the freewheeling unit located in a helicopter?

The freewheeling unit may be located in the accessory gearbox in some helicopters as it is a part of helicopter transmission or it may be a part of engine accessory gearbox in some cases. Generally, the transmission is divided into five sections which are discussed in succeeding paragraphs.

Do helicopter chip detectors have a burn off capability?

In modern helicopters, chip detectors may have a burn-off capability which may correct the situation without a pilot action or remedial measure. Otherwise, pilot has to refer to the specific emergency procedure of that helicopter in order to decide further course of action.