Inventors:
Gilbert R. Gonzales - Tucson AZ
International Classification:
B64C 2738
Abstract:
A flexible helicopter rotor includes a vertical rotor axle, a mechanism for rotating the vertical rotor axle in a first rotational direction, and a plurality of segmented flexible airfoils secured to and extending radially from the vertical rotor axle, each segment of each airfoil forming a billowing, canopy-shaped surface as the vertical rotor axle is rotated. Each airfoil includes a cross spar extending radially from the vertical rotor axle and in turn supporting first and second leading edge spars and first and second keel spars. The forward ends of the leading edge spars and keel spars are joined to form an apex of the airfoil at a point ahead of the cross spar. A flexible membrane is secured to the first and second leading edge spars and to the first and second keel spars and is divided thereby to form the segmented flexible airfoil. The pitch of the plurality of airfoils may be controlled by a swash plate coupled to the inner leading edge spar by a push-pull rod; alternatively, a cable engaging a pair of guides may extend between the swash plate and the apex of the airfoil for controlling the pitch thereof.