Active Control Rotor Using No Swashplate

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) propose to systematically analyze, develop, and test a primary rotor control system based on trailing-edge flaps actuated by Magnetic Shape Memory Alloy (MSMA) materials. A comprehensive design effort will beundertaken based on the University of Maryland Advanced Rotor Code (UMARC) to determine full-scale flap actuation requirements (size, stroke, location, power requirement, etc.) for the Boeing Apache AH-64 helicopter main rotor. Primary and secondarycontrol (vibration suppression) will be investigated by analysis. Full-scale actuator requirements will be determined evaluated with laboratory tests of MSMA materials in Phase I. Candidate flap actuation mechanisms will be built and tested inpreparation for model and full-scale prototyping and testing in Phase II. Conventional swashplate-based flight control devices have characteristically been some of the most complex, precise, and flight critical devices on a helicopter. These systems aremaintenance intensive, inspection critical, costly, and act as a significant source of drag. The final product of this proposed effort will be a swashplateless rotor control technology that will enable reduced operating costs for the Army. In addition tofiscal benefits, the superior aerodynamic and aeroelastic characteristics of the smat flap rotor will allow the rotorcraft to operate with greater speed and with superior maneuverability, thereby improving the tactical advantage of Army combat helicopters.The smart actuation technology proposed herein is also directly applicable to aircraft and unmanned air vehicles, where reduced radar signature, improved manueuverabilty, and reduced operating costs, are also projected.