Abstract: The present invention includes a rotorcraft drive system, method, and aircraft comprising a fixed engine; a rotating spindle that rotates a proprotor gearbox and rotor pylon between a hover and forward flight position, wherein the rotating spindle rotates about a rotation bearings on two inboard ribs of a wing member; and an interconnect drive shaft connected to the fixed engine, wherein the interconnect drive shaft passes through an aft cove of the wing member and connects to the engine via a forward-aft drive shaft, wherein the forward-aft drive shaft is connected to the proprotor gearbox to provide power to a proprotor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 16, 2017
Date of Patent:
May 19, 2020
Assignee:
BELL HELIPCOPTER TEXTRON INC.
Inventors:
Brent Chadwick Ross, Daniel B. Robertson