Abstract: An anti-torque mechanism which permits a full range of swashplate assembly motion. The anti-torque mechanism generally includes an anti-torque shaft and a compound bearing mounted thereto to provide five-degrees-of-freedom (spherical-linear-elastomeric) so as to permit a swashplate attachment point to move axially in response to pitch input; pivot in response to swashplate tilt; and move in/out in the radial direction.

Abstract: An anti-torque mechanism which permits a full range of swashplate assembly motion. The anti-torque mechanism generally includes an anti-torque shaft and a compound bearing mounted thereto to provide five-degrees-of-freedom (spherical-linear-elastomeric) so as to permit a swashplate attachment point to move axially in response to pitch input; pivot in response to swashplate tilt; and move in/out in the radial direction.

Abstract: A VDR blade lock system includes a set of blade pins that are rigidly mounted into the outboard blade section and a set of mount pins that are rigidly mounted to a rotor mount assembly. A resilient bushing at least partially surrounds each pin to provide high-energy absorption, impact resistance and low compressive modules. Should the outboard rotor blade section become free, centrifugal force will cause the outboard rotor blade section to rapidly telescope radially outward over the inboard blade section. The lock system prevents full extension of the outboard rotor blade section while the bushings act as a series of springs to reduce the deceleration rate of the outboard rotor blade section to minimize an impact force experienced by the VDR system.

Abstract: An optimized composite flexbeam (10) having a pitch region (PR) which includes a core laminate (50) of unidirectional fiberglass material (U.sub.F), and face laminates (52) of unidirectional graphite material (U.sub.G) bonded to mating surfaces (50.sub.M) defined by the core laminate (50). The core laminate (50) and face laminates define an aspect ratio which is greater than or equal to 10 and define chamfered edge surfaces (54.sub.S). Each chamfered edge surface (54.sub.S) defines a critical acute angle .alpha. with respect to the flapwise bending neutral axis (X.sub.A) of the pitch region (PR) and defines a lateral edge (54.sub.E) disposed a vertical distance X from the flapwise bending neutral axis (X.sub.A). The critical acute angle .alpha. is between about 14 degrees to about 22 degrees and the vertical distance X is about 12.5% to about 37.5% of the pitch region thickness dimension (T.sub.PR).