Rotor Flight Controls
Last updated
Last updated
The main rotor and tail rotor flight control systems consisting of cyclic, collective, and directional controls are used to adjust the helicopter attitude, altitude, and direction of flight. They consist of the systems that follow:
If the dual controls kit is installed, collective, cyclic, and anti-torque controls are also provided to the copilot. Refer to for details.
The main rotor controls change the pitch angle of the main rotor blades. This changes the amount of thrust of the main rotor and also the direction in which this thrust is applied, providing control of the pitch (longitudinal) and the roll (lateral) attitudes of the helicopter. Main rotor control inputs are converted to linear motion under the cabin floor and passed upwards to three hydraulic servo actuators by bellcranks, a mixing lever and control tubes. To provide a fully open cabin, the controls are routed upwards through a control tunnel which is centrally located aft of the aft passenger bulkhead. It consists of the systems that follow:
The anti-torque rotor control lets the operator control the thrust provided by the tail rotor to counteract the torque produced by the main rotor and control the yaw (heading) of the helicopter. For a system discussion and/or description, refer to .
The servo-control system uses hydraulic pressure from the to boost the main rotor controls, assisting the operator in moving those controls. For a system discussion and/or description, refer to .