Abstract: Composite rotor blades are constructed from a honeycombed polymer interior core structure having a bonded glass skin covering associated with the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Over time, environmental conditions lead to cracks or fissures in the glass skin coverings allowing moisture to accumulate in the interior honeycomb core of the blade. The present apparatus and method removes this accumulated moisture from composite rotor blades as well as from other objects constructed of polymer composite materials in general and includes an atmospherically sealed container of sufficient size to house the rotor blades or other objects within the container. The apparatus includes support fixturing for holding the rotor blades or other objects suspended within the container, a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture level of the air cycled through the container, a heater to control the temperature within the container, and a vacuum mechanism for controlling the pressure inside the container.

Abstract: The invention discloses a helicopter rotor blade static balancing fixture. First, the blade is rooted to provide a basis for accurate station or spanwise measurements. Then, weight information is measured by the load cells, and the distance from the weight measurement to the leading edge of the blade is measured by linear transducers, respectively, and communicated to a computer. The computer calculates the spanwise moment, compares the calculated value to the factory standard spanwise moment, and calculates and displays a recommended weight adjustment. The computer calculates the chordwise moment, compares the calculated value to the factory standard chordwise moment, and calculates and displays a recommended weight adjustment.