Symmetrical or Asymmetrical Airfoils on small training helicopters?

[Jay Bunning]

Hi,

 

I am doing some research for a training video on airfoils used on training helicopters (main and tail rotors). The emphasis is on Robinson helicopters, but I'd appreciate help from people with Enstrom & Schweizer experience.

 

Robinson R22/R44 Main = Symmetrical, Tail = Asymmetrical

 

Hughes/Schweizer Main = ???, Tail = ???

 

Enstrom Flacon/Shark Main = ???, Tail = ???

 

Any other small training helicopter?

 

Many thanks for your time,

 

Regards,

 

J

 

 

[Astro]

From a picture of an old Brantly I'd say the main rotor was symmetrical, couldn't see the tail rotor.

 

If I were a betting man, I'd say all of these trainers have symmetrical main rotor blades. As for the tail rotor, I guess it would depend on if they were designed before or after they realized asymmetrical blades are better for small tail rotors?

[danr_657]

If I remember correctly the S300 has symmetrical blades on both the main and tail. don't know how I remember that haven't touched one of those since 2009 but that seems to be what I remember tried finding the manual on the internet but couldn't find one Sikorsky keeps that stuff locked down they don't allow open usage like robinson does.

 

not sure about the Enstrom never even seen one of those.

[rubidug]

Yes, the 300C has both symmetrical main and tail rotor blades.

 

If you would like to see some interesting blades, check out the Brantley B2B. It was used as a trainer as well (Lycoming 360).

[pilot#476398]

Yes, the 300C has both symmetrical main and tail rotor blades.

 

If that's also true for the CB and CBi it may explain why their tail rotor authority sucks balls!?

[iChris]

Hi,

 

I am doing some research for a training video on airfoils used on training helicopters (main and tail rotors). The emphasis is on Robinson helicopters, but I'd appreciate help from people with Enstrom & Schweizer experience.

 

 

 

R22/R44 Main: NACA 63-015 / Tail: NACA 63-415

 

300C Main: NACA 0015 / Tail: NACA 0014

 

Enstrom Flacon/Shark Main: NACA 0013.5 (NACA 0013)

 

You’ll have to research additional manufactures data.

 

You can go to the following site and find the technical name of an airfoil for a given helicopter (main rotor only):

 

The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage

 

Then do a “Quick Search” for that airfoil at the following site. Then click its technical name for a description and figure of that airfoil. You can also use the "Browse" button on the right for alphanumerical technical names (browse by name).

 

The Airfoil Investigation Database site

Edited October 10, 2013 by iChris

[crashed_05]

I almost forgot about NACA numbers...great reply.

[brfuga32]

Does anyone know what the Robinson R22 horizontal and vertical stabilizer NACA airfoils are?