Solid State Active Trim Tab (SSATT)

Midé proposes an automatic active trim tab solution that will significantly reduce the maintenance effort and cost of helicopter rotor track and balancing (RT&B) process, as well as minimize airframe vibrations. Midé's trim tab adjustment system may be performed automatically without maintenance. A major Phase I contribution was the development of a technically feasible Solid-State Active Trim Tab that holds several key advantages over hinged tabs studied by other researchers. The Solid-State tab is significantly lighter in weight and less sensitive to centrifugal loads. The Solid-State tab will minimize the additional mass behind the helicopter blade's elastic axis and with its smooth shape its aerodynamic performance will be substantially better! In Phase II Midé will further develop the Phase I Solid-State concept through two prototype iterations. An eight-foot diameter prototype will be designed, fabricated and tested structurally in a windtunnel and on a whirl stand. The second prototype will be a section of a full-scale blade. This prototype will ensure that the innovation can be integrated on a full-scale blade while withstanding the harsh helicopter-loading environment. Sikorsky Helicopter, a Phase II sub-contractor, will provide relevant helicopter blade tracking and trimming engineering experience and assist with transitioning the technology.