Abstract: A rotor blade control system and methods therefor including a hub assembly pivotally attached to a rotor blade; a mast attached to the hub assembly; a swashplate assembly engaged with the mast and including a swashplate actuation mechanism pivotally coupled with the non-rotating ring at a plurality of coupling locations for moving the non-rotating ring and pivotally coupled with the base at a plurality of base locations, the swashplate actuation mechanism comprises a plurality of substantially triangular dual actuator assemblies that are independently and concurrently operable to move the respective coupling location so as to impart movement on the non-rotating ring. The swashplate actuation mechanism is configured to move the swashplate assembly about a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis in response to a cyclic input. The swashplate actuation mechanism is configured to move the swashplate assembly along the mast in response to a collective input.

Abstract: One embodiment is a rotor system including a rotor hub comprising a plurality of extension arms for connecting rotor blades to the rotor hub; a plurality of dampers connected between a respective one of the extension arms and the rotor hub; and a fairing disposed over the rotor hub, the fairing including an inlet plenum through which air is drawn from outside the fairing into the fairing; and at least one duct for conducting the air toward the at least one of the dampers.

Abstract: There is disclosed in one example a mechanical assembly, including: a parent part including a parent part lug; a bushing to pass through the lug, the bushing comprising a central inner diameter, and respective left and right relief zones having a second inner diameter different from the central inner diameter; and a through-pin to pass through the bushing.

Abstract: One embodiment is a rotor system including a rotor hub comprising a plurality of extension arms for connecting rotor blades to the rotor hub; a plurality of dampers connected between a respective one of the extension arms and the rotor hub; and a fairing disposed over the rotor hub, the fairing including an inlet plenum through which air is drawn from outside the fairing into the fairing; and at least one duct for conducting the air toward the at least one of the dampers.

Abstract: A rotor blade control system and methods therefor including a hub assembly pivotally attached to a rotor blade; a mast attached to the hub assembly; a swashplate assembly engaged with the mast and including a swashplate actuation mechanism pivotally coupled with the non-rotating ring at a plurality of coupling locations for moving the non-rotating ring and pivotally coupled with the base at a plurality of base locations, the swashplate actuation mechanism comprises a plurality of substantially triangular dual actuator assemblies that are independently and concurrently operable to move the respective coupling location so as to impart movement on the non-rotating ring. The swashplate actuation mechanism is configured to move the swashplate assembly about a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis in response to a cyclic input. The swashplate actuation mechanism is configured to move the swashplate assembly along the mast in response to a collective input.

Abstract: A folding rotor blade assembly for an aircraft a yoke, an inboard beam coupled to the yoke, an inboard centrifugal force bearing coupled to the inboard beam, a grip coupled to the inboard beam, an outboard bearing housing coupled to the grip, and a rotor blade pivotally coupled to the grip by a blade fold bolt that is positioned outboard of the outboard bearing housing.

Abstract: A folding rotor blade assembly for an aircraft a yoke, an inboard beam coupled to the yoke, an inboard centrifugal force bearing coupled to the inboard beam, a grip coupled to the inboard beam, an outboard bearing housing coupled to the grip, and a rotor blade pivotally coupled to the grip by a blade fold bolt that is positioned outboard of the outboard bearing housing.

Abstract: A rotary system including a grip having an opening forming a first bridge for receiving a centrifugal force bearing that faces inwardly towards the rotor mast. A rotor blade couples to the grip and a pitch horn positioned outside the opening pitches the rotor blade during flight. A bearing assembly attaches the first bridge to the yoke and controls blade forces exerted against the hub assembly during flight.

Abstract: A rotary system including a grip having an opening forming a first bridge for receiving a centrifugal force bearing that faces inwardly towards the rotor mast. A rotor blade couples to the grip and a pitch horn positioned outside the opening pitches the rotor blade during flight. A bearing assembly attaches the first bridge to the yoke and controls blade forces exerted against the hub assembly during flight.

Abstract: A rotary system including a grip having an opening forming a first bridge for receiving a centrifugal force bearing that faces inwardly towards the rotor mast. A rotor blade couples to the grip and a pitch horn positioned outside the opening pitches the rotor blade during flight. A bearing assembly attaches the first bridge to the yoke and controls blade forces exerted against the hub assembly during flight.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a trunnion includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is capable of coupling directly to a drive tube of an aircraft, wherein the drive tube is capable of rotating around a first axis. The second portion is capable of coupling to a swash plate of the aircraft, wherein the swash plate is capable of causing the pitch of at least one of a plurality of aircraft blades to change.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotor system includes an anti-rotation sleeve featuring an outer recess portion and a tilt sleeve positioned about the anti-rotation sleeve and having an opening therethrough. A first swashplate ring is positioned about the tilt sleeve and features an inner recess portion. An anti-rotation mechanism is disposed through the opening and at least partially in the outer recess portion and the inner recess portion. The anti-rotation mechanism is operable to prevent the first swashplate ring from rotating about the anti-rotation sleeve. A second swashplate ring is positioned about the first swashplate ring and rotatable about the anti-rotation sleeve.

Abstract: A rotary system including a grip having an opening forming a first bridge for receiving a centrifugal force bearing that faces inwardly towards the rotor mast. A rotor blade couples to the grip and a pitch horn positioned outside the opening pitches the rotor blade during flight. A bearing assembly attaches the first bridge to the yoke and controls blade forces exerted against the hub assembly during flight.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotor system includes an anti-rotation sleeve featuring an outer recess portion and a tilt sleeve positioned about the anti-rotation sleeve and having an opening therethrough. A first swashplate ring is positioned about the tilt sleeve and features an inner recess portion. An anti-rotation mechanism is disposed through the opening and at least partially in the outer recess portion and the inner recess portion. The anti-rotation mechanism is operable to prevent the first swashplate ring from rotating about the anti-rotation sleeve. A second swashplate ring is positioned about the first swashplate ring and rotatable about the anti-rotation sleeve.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a trunnion includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is capable of coupling directly to a drive tube of an aircraft, wherein the drive tube is capable of rotating around a first axis. The second portion is capable of coupling to a swash plate of the aircraft, wherein the swash plate is capable of causing the pitch of at least one of a plurality of aircraft blades to change.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for mounting two or more tail rotor hubs to a tail rotor mast. The apparatus comprises a mast having an externally-splined inboard section shaped and sized to mate with an internal spline on an inboard trunnion. The inboard trunnion is mechanically fixed to the one or more outboard hubs via a torsionally-rigid connection. The outboard portion of the mast is designed to have reduced torsional stiffness, so that torque is transmitted to the outboard trunnions through the inboard trunnion rather than through the mast.

Abstract: Rotor blade stowing system for stowing rotor blades that conserves storage space without adding significant weight or cost to the aircraft. The system includes a rotary actuator disposed on a blade grip member. A rotor blade is pivotally connected to the blade grip member. The rotary actuator is operably coupled to a blade pivoting cam and a locking cam. The system includes a cam follower linkage which has a first end which includes a blade pivoting cam follower and a locking cam follower and a second end. The blade pivoting cam follower follows the blade pivoting cam. The locking cam follower follows the locking cam. The second end of the cam follower linkage is coupled to the blade grip member. The system includes a shaft rotatably coupled to the blade grip member, a locking linkage bell crank operably coupled to the shaft, a delay cam coupled to the blade grip member, and a locking linkage idler operably coupled to the locking linkage bell crank.