Aft Fuselage
Last updated
Last updated
The aft fuselage consists of the structural and aerodynamic elements from aft of the baggage compartment to the tailboom attachment, and also the structural elements above the baggage compartment. It supports the power plant, drivetrain, and contains most of the avionics equipment. It has the components that follow:
The left aft-fuselage is a composite panel assembly. It protects and gives access to the equipment inside the aft fuselage. It provides the aerodynamic shape and structural integrity of the fuselage. It is located on the left side between the mid fuselage and the tailboom attachment. It is attached to the structure with screws.
The right aft-fuselage is a composite panel assembly. It protects and gives access to the equipment inside the aft fuselage. It provides the aerodynamic shape and structural integrity of the fuselage. It is located on the right side between the mid fuselage and the tailboom attachment. It is attached to the structure with screws. It has an access door that gives the access to the battery and the CB panel and a small access door that gives the access to the external power receptacle.
DO NOT CHANGE OR REPAIR THE TRUSS ASSEMBLY. THE TRUSS ASSEMBLY IS A FATIGUE CRITICAL PART. ALSO, DO NOT PUT OR INSTALL PARTS ON THE TRUSS ASSEMBLY THAT ARE NOT APPROVED BY BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON (BHT). IF YOU DO NOT OBEY THESE INSTRUCTIONS, THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE HELICOPTER WILL CHANGE AND THIS WILL CAUSE INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE HELICOPTER.
The truss assembly consists of steel tubes and plates welded together. It has the mounts for the transmission, power plant, and flight controls. It is the principal load bearing structure, linking the forward and mid fuselage with the tailboom. It also supports the avionics shelf assembly and the combined oil cooler.
The avionics shelf assembly is made of aluminum alloy. It is the main support for avionics equipment and the battery. It is located within the truss assembly.
The center aft-fuselage panel is an aluminum panel. It protects the equipment inside the aft fuselage and provides the aerodynamic shape and structural integrity of the fuselage. It is located on the bottom of the aft fuselage between the mid fuselage and the combined oil cooler. It is attached to the structure with screws.