Abstract: A strake may extend along a portion of an approaching side of a tail boom of a helicopter. A number of vortex generators (VGs) may extend along a portion of a retreating side of the tail boom. For tail booms with circular cross sections, the strake and the VGs are positioned between approximately 5 and 15 degrees below a horizontal plane of the tail boom when viewed end on, on respective sides of the tail boom. For tail booms with non-circular cross sections, the strake and the VGs is positioned between approximately 5 and 15 degrees above a location where a change in curvature is greatest (e.g., where flow separation would otherwise occur) on a bottom half of the tail boom when viewed end on, on respective sides of the tail boom. A fairing may be located on the retreating side on the upper half of the tail boom, to create an asymmetric profile.

Abstract: A strake may extend along a portion of an approaching side of a tail boom of a helicopter. A number of vortex generators (VGs) may extend along a portion of a retreating side of the tail boom. For tail booms with circular cross sections, the strake and the VGs are positioned between approximately 5 and 15 degrees below a horizontal plane of the tail boom when viewed end on, on respective sides of the tail boom. For tail booms with non-circular cross sections, the strake and the VGs is positioned between approximately 5 and 15 degrees above a location where a change in curvature is greatest (e.g., where flow separation would otherwise occur) on a bottom half of the tail boom when viewed end on, on respective sides of the tail boom. A fairing may be located on the retreating side on the upper half of the tail boom, to create an asymmetric profile.

Abstract: A method of modifying a helicopter includes providing a tail boom of the helicopter and modifying a surface profile of the tail boom on at least a first side of the tail boom to improve flow attachment of air flowing over the first side of the modified tail boom during operation of the helicopter. The first side of the tail boom is located on an opposite side of the tail boom from a second side of the tail boom towards which a main rotor blade of the helicopter approaches during rotation.

Abstract: A method of modifying a helicopter includes providing a tail boom of the helicopter. The tail boom includes a first side located on an opposite side of the tail boom from a second side of the tail boom. A main rotor blade of the helicopter approaches the second side of the tail boom during rotation. The first side and the second side of the tail boom include asymmetrical surface profiles about a vertical plane of the tail boom. The method further includes securing a plurality of vortex generators to the first side of the tail boom.

Abstract: A method of modifying a helicopter includes providing a tail boom of the helicopter. The tail boom includes a first side located on an opposite side of the tail boom from a second side of the tail boom. A main rotor blade of the helicopter approaches the second side of the tail boom during rotation. The first side and the second side of the tail boom include asymmetrical surface profiles about a vertical plane of the tail boom. The method further includes securing a plurality of vortex generators to the first side of the tail boom.

Abstract: An aircraft can include a tail section and a stabilizing system coupled to the tail section. The stabilizing system has a vertical stabilizer and at least one strake that cooperate to generate forces that compensate for a reaction torque generated by a main lifting rotor that produces lifting forces when the aircraft is in flight. Methods for improving aircraft performance include installing the at least one strake and retrofitting of a vertical stabilizer to increase thrust forces produced by a tail rotor.

Abstract: An aircraft can include a tail section and a stabilizing system coupled to the tail section. The stabilizing system has a vertical stabilizer and at least one strake that cooperate to generate forces that compensate for a reaction torque generated by a main lifting rotor that produces lifting forces when the aircraft is in flight. Methods for improving aircraft performance include installing the at least one strake and retrofitting of a vertical stabilizer to increase thrust forces produced by a tail rotor.

Abstract: An aircraft can include a tail section and a stabilizing system coupled to the tail section. The stabilizing system has a vertical stabilizer and at least one strake that cooperate to generate forces that compensate for a reaction torque generated by a main lifting rotor that produces lifting forces when the aircraft is in flight. Methods for improving aircraft performance include installing the at least one strake and retrofitting of a vertical stabilizer to increase thrust forces produced by a tail rotor.