> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bell-505-guide.gitbook.io/bell-505-maintenance-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bell-505-guide.gitbook.io/bell-505-maintenance-guide/system-descriptions/airframe-systems/fuselage/tailboom.md). # Tailboom The tailboom consists of the structural and aerodynamic elements aft of the aft fuselage, excluding the stabilizers. It supports the anti-torque control and its drivetrain, and it also supports the stabilizers. It has the components that follow: * [Tailboom assembly](#tailboom-assembly) * [Forward driveshaft cover](#forward-driveshaft-cover) * [Mid driveshaft cover](#mid-driveshaft-cover) * [Aft driveshaft cover](#aft-driveshaft-cover) * [Tail rotor gearbox and empennage support cover](#tail-rotor-gearbox-and-empennage-support-cover) * [Forward tailboom access panel](#forward-tailboom-access-panel) * [Aft tailboom access panel](#aft-tailboom-access-panel) ## Tailboom assembly The tailboom assembly is an aluminum sheet tubular assembly with internal bulkheads, a machined aluminum tail rotor gearbox and empennage support. The tail rotor driveshaft assemblies and bearings are located on top of the tailboom. Supports for the tail rotor driveshaft bearings are located on top of the tailboom. The anti-torque control cables are routed inside of it. The tailboom assembly is attached to the truss assembly with four inboard bolts. ## Forward driveshaft cover The forward driveshaft cover is an aluminum sheet assembly. It protects and gives access to the driveshaft and its bearings. It also provides the aerodynamic shape of the helicopter. It is located on top at the forward end of the tailboom. It is attached to the structure with quarter-turn fasteners. ## Mid driveshaft cover The mid driveshaft cover is an aluminum sheet assembly. It protects and gives access to the driveshaft and its bearings. It also provides the aerodynamic shape of the helicopter. It is located on top in the middle of the tailboom. It is attached to the structure with quarter-turn fasteners. ## Aft driveshaft cover The aft driveshaft cover is an aluminum sheet assembly. It protects and gives access to the driveshaft and its bearings. It also provides the aerodynamic shape of the helicopter. It is located on top at the aft end of the tailboom. It is attached to the structure with quarter-turn fasteners. ## Tail rotor gearbox and empennage support cover The tail rotor gearbox and empennage support cover is made from an aluminum sheet. It protects and gives access to the anti-torque controls. It is located on the bottom of the tail rotor gearbox and empennage support. It is attached to the structure with screws. ## Forward tailboom access panel The forward tailboom access panel is made from an aluminum sheet. It protects and gives access to the tailboom internal components. It provides the aerodynamic shape and structural integrity of the tailboom. It is located on the bottom at the forward end of the tailboom. It is attached to the structure with screws. ## Aft tailboom access panel The aft tailboom access panel is made from an aluminum sheet. It protects and gives access to the tailboom internal components. It provides the aerodynamic shape and structural integrity of the tailboom. It is located on the bottom in the middle of the tailboom. It is attached to the structure with screws. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://bell-505-guide.gitbook.io/bell-505-maintenance-guide/system-descriptions/airframe-systems/fuselage/tailboom.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.