Swashplate: how the device works

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Swashplates allow you to control the flight of a helicopter. Modern modifications are distinguished by a high angle of inclination in roll and pitch. To learn more about swashplates, look at existing devices.

The swashplate is a special mechanism that is responsible for controlling the rotors of the helicopter. Also, devices of this type are used on gyroplanes and convertiplanes. The standard machine includes a set of racks and supports. The movable ring of the device is attached to the top of the mechanism. Under it is a large plate. The thrust bearings may be located above the strut or bushing. Chord blades are connected to the plate. Mounting hinges are located at the bottom of the modifications. Below them is the rotor itself.

The principle of operation of swashplates

The principle of operation of the swashplate is based on changing the position of the screws. This process is carried out by changing the angle of inclination of the supports. The bottom ring is responsible for traction stabilization. Rear struts are used to control the helicopter in pitch. Their angle of inclination is limited. The lifting force of the helicopter is regulated by the front struts. Smooth rotation of the blades is provided by spherical bearings. However, in this case, much depends on the type of modification.

Homemade modifications

Making a helicopter swashplate with your own hands is quite difficult. First of all, the assembly will require a wide ring with a diameter of 25 cm. The hinges should be located at the bottom of the structure. The screws are attached to the plate. To do this, you will have to use a welding machine. Further, in order to make a helicopter swashplate with your own hands, a ball bearing is prepared. The rotating ring for simple modifications is used with a small diameter.

Spherical bearings are not often used. The cyclic pitch of the blades depends on the dimensions of the rack. After fixing the plate, you can proceed with the installation of the front supports. Then, to assemble the swashplate with your own hands, fastening hinges are used, which are fixed under the support plate. The chord blades of the modification must not touch the ball joint. The average pitch angle is 30 degrees.

Types of swashplates

First of all, the division of automata is carried out by the number of blades. Three-bladed devices are usually installed with double rings. Modifications to four blades are considered more common. Transitional modifications are distinguished by the presence of wide plates at the bottom of the structure. It is also worth noting that there are cranked modifications and devices with an impeller. In a separate category are runningmodifications that are used on gyroplanes.

Modifications for three screws

Three propeller models are great for helicopters. Bearing racks are used in different sizes. The diameter of the lower ring, as a rule, is no more than 22 cm. Many modifications use several plates. Pitch control is carried out through the front thrust. Spherical type bearings are used quite often in machines.

Directly fixed plate can be installed under the ring or above it. On many models, the screws are attached through the posts. The deviation of the plate in this case depends on the dimensions of the side racks. Mounting angles are determined by the shape of the plate. Bushings are most often located in the lower part of the structure. The disadvantage of devices with three blades is considered a small cyclic step.

Four screw models

Four-blade devices are mainly produced with a cam mechanism. For many modifications, the pitch angle does not exceed 40 degrees. Skew issues are controlled by the rotors. According to experts, modifications with double bushings are quite rare. Rotating rings are available in various sizes.

Many experts say that spherical type bearings have proven themselves well. Many models use a blocker for the rack. Thus, the roll inclination of the machine is very limited. Problems with skew modification are not terrible. Modifications are installed mainly through hinges.

Transition devices

Transitional automata are widely used on helicopters from various manufacturers. According to experts, stability should be attributed to the advantages of devices. Pitch tilt is regulated only by the front struts. If you believe the experts, then the plates are allowed to be used with a small diameter. The maximum pitch angle for modifications of this type is 35 degrees.

Bearings for automatic machines, as a rule, are of the spherical type. At the same time, linings under them are very rare. Separately, it is important to note that there are modifications for gyroplanes. Racks they use an elongated shape. Cymbals are quite often fixed at the top of the mechanism. The cyclic pitch of the blades depends on the dimensions of the fixed ring. Blocking at the rack is quite common. Above the dish are bushings that protect the blades.

Coaxial modifications with impeller

Coaxial swashplate with impeller suitable for convertoplanes. The traction force of the models is quite high. If you believe the experts, then the racks are used in small lengths. Installation of bearings is carried out on plates. Modifications with large adapters are very rare. The angle of inclination of the propellers in pitch, as a rule, does not exceed 40 degrees. Many machines do not have a blocker. Installation of devices is standardly carried out on the rotor. In this case, the bushings are installed in two rows.

Impellers are used with swivel mounts, which are located at the bottom of the structure. According to experts, the traction forcemodifications depends on the diameter of the plates. The cyclic pitch of the blades is closely related to the size of the racks, which are located on the sides of the plates with fixed rings. Spherical type bearings are very common in impeller machines. Many experts claim that modifications suffer from dish deflection. The roll slope in the devices is very limited.

Crankshafts

Cranked modifications for helicopters are quite rare. Their traction force is usually at a high level. If we talk about the shortcomings, it is important to mention the difficult controllability of the mechanism in strong gusts of wind. If you believe the opinion of experts, then the rotors should be located in the upper part of the modification. To solve problems with the slope of the plate, a blocker is installed. Directly the front racks are fixed on the plates.

The maximum pitch angle is about 40 degrees. Many modifications are made without spherical bearings. Plates are used with and without overlays. Modifications with movable rings are quite rare. The rotational moment of the cymbals is high. Racks behind the mount are used with a small width. The inner rings of modifications of this series are able to withstand heavy loads. It is also worth noting that modifications with a lower rotor arrangement are presented on the market. In this case, the front racks are used at a low height and are attached under the plate.

According to experts, the lifting power of this series of machines is quite high. For modern modifications, they fit perfectly. However, the disadvantages of such systems should also be taken into account. First of all, this is a small pitch angle. Spherical bearings are heavily loaded. The roll slope reaches a maximum of 50 degrees. Rack lock is used very rarely. The installation of machines of this type is carried out only on the rotors through the hinges.

Walking devices

Running machines will report that they can be used on helicopters, as well as tiltrotor planes. Many modifications are used with long racks and a wide plate. The rotors are usually located at the top of the machine. The pitch inclination in this case depends on the width of the movable ring. Problems with screw misalignment in modifications are very rare.

Protective sleeves are installed above the adapter. Attachment to the rotor occurs only through hinges. In this case, inner rings are often used with a small diameter. The main load of the mechanisms is precisely on the racks. The cyclic pitch of the blades is not very high. It is also worth noting that modifications of this type are distinguished by high-quality blockers. Ball joints on machines are very rare.

Sikorsky Modification

The Sikorsky swashplate is reliable and features strong struts. Saucers in this case are used at 23 cm. According to experts, problems with pitch tilt occur infrequently. The rotors of the models are above the level of the plates. Vertical installation is very fast. Many experts talk aboutthat the roll adjustment is very smooth. This effect was achieved by installing small racks. The maximum pitch angle is 40 degrees.

Ball bearings are used with overlays. Experts say that the rack blockers work well in this case. The disadvantage of modifications is considered to be a small rotating moment. Rings in devices wear out pretty quickly. Hinges deserve special attention in modifications. They are located at the bottom of the structure. The deflection of the cymbals is thus quite easy to adjust.

Features of the model of the MI 8T series

This swashplate is used on helicopters of different series. Its bearing screws are installed at the level of the ring. The operation of the swashplate is carried out by changing the position of the blades. If you believe the opinion of experts, then ball bearings are able to withstand heavy loads. In this case, the cyclic step is perfectly controlled. The bearings of the machine are of the spherical type. Tilt bearing drop is rare.

At the same time, the wear of the rings is very small. Compact hinges deserve special attention. The modification is installed very tightly on the rotor. Circular movements are carried out smoothly, the load on the bearings is distributed evenly. The pitch limit is 30 degrees. Many experts say that the cymbals stabilize quickly even at high speeds. Separately, it is important to note that the maximum roll inclination does not exceed 20 degrees.

Modification parameters of AB-1 series

The presented phase swashplate is distinguished by low racks. The maximum pitch inclination in this case is 50 degrees. Thrust bearings are used with pads. If you believe the opinion of experts, then problems with locking the rack are very rare. The plate in this case is set to 23 cm. The rotors of the modification are above the level of the plate. Bushings in this case can last a long time.

The deflection of the cymbal is well controlled. The cyclic pitch of the blade is regulated only by the front struts. The roll slope is 30 degrees. Vertical installation is quite fast. Spherical type bearings are located just above the plate.

Differences in devices in 912

The swashplate of the presented series is distinguished by a good adapter. This device belongs to cam mechanisms. However, the hinges of the modification are located at the bottom of the modification. Bearings are applied only on the plate. Installing the blades vertically does not take much time. The maximum roll angle is 25 degrees. Many experts say that the device has excellent stabilization. It is also worth noting that the rotating rings are used with a diameter of 34 cm.

Protective bushings are used only on the front pillars. The maximum roll angle does not exceed 55 degrees. Problems with prekosam are not terrible for this machine. The modification is mounted on the rotor as standard through hinges. Many experts note that the adjustmentblades horizontally going very fast. This model does not have a stand lock.

Features of B 915 series model

The presented swashplate differs from other modifications by a large inclination in roll. The device belongs to crank types. The rotors are located at the level of thrust bearings. According to the experts, there are no skewed gaps. In this case, protective sleeves are located under the rack and above it. Propelled blades are capable of withstanding heavy loads.

Ball bearings in this case are used with overlays. The maximum pitch angle is 55 degrees. According to experts, the blocker works well. Among the shortcomings, it is worth mentioning the rapid wear of the rings. The cyclic pitch of the blades is not very smoothly regulated. The fastening at the hinges leaves much to be desired. Modification of this series is not suitable for convertiplanes.

B series modification parameters 920

The presented helicopter swashplate is made with four racks. They rotate freely, the maximum roll angle is 35 degrees. The bearing screws are installed at the level of the bearing row. The plate is made of stainless steel, and its diameter is 4 cm. Many experts say that the modification is made with high-quality hinges, and installation is quite simple.

Bushings in this case are located only above the protective ring. The maximum pitch angle is 50 degrees. The rotating ring is used by the manufacturer for 30 cm. There is no rack lock for this machine. Some experts say that the modification can be applied to gyroplanes. It is also worth noting that the model has two ball joints. They are not afraid of problems with prekos.

Differences between V922-04

This helicopter swashplate stands out for its large plate stabilization. It is also worth noting that the maximum pitch angle is 45 degrees. Installing the blades vertically does not take much time. If we talk about the shortcomings, it is important to note the low landing of the plate. The maximum roll angle does not exceed 50 degrees.

The rotating ring is used with a diameter of 30 cm. The bearings of the machine are only spherical type. The modification does not have ball bearings. Rack lock is standard installed under the cymbal. Thrust bearings are used without pads. Installing the blades horizontally is pretty fast. Cymbal deflection is very rare. At the same time, the cyclic pitch of the blades is adjusted without problems.

Features of the MI 8 model

The MI 8 helicopter swashplate has a lot of advantages. First of all, it is important to note that the modification refers to transitional devices. The bearing screws in this case are located at the level of the bushings. Vertical installation takes quite a long time. The maximum roll angle is not more than 40 degrees. The running blades are able to withstand more load. It is also worth noting that the MI 8 swash plate is made with spherical bearings. Many experts point outfor low support strength. In this case, the plate is used with a small diameter. Special attention in the device deserves a small angle of inclination in pitch. Ball bearings in this case are installed above the plate. Fastener modification is carried out through the rotor. Fasteners in this case are used with a small width. Deviations of the plate under significant loads are very noticeable. When lifting, a large load is directed precisely to the ball joints.

Modification parameters of series 8-1950-000

Swashplate 8-1950-000 is in high demand. It is suitable not only for helicopters, but also for gyroplanes. The swashplate 8-1950-000 is equipped with high quality support legs. Installing the blades vertically is fast. At the same time, problems with the stabilization of the modification plate are not terrible. Some experts also point to the strength of the hinges.

The main rotors of the machine are located at the level of the rack lock. Ball joints are standard under the ring. If we talk about indicators, then the maximum pitch angle is 35 degrees. The plate on the swashplate 1950 is installed with a diameter of 22 cm. The maximum angle of inclination here is 40 degrees. The cyclic pitch of the blade can be adjusted very smoothly.

Differences between devices 8-1975-000

This is a quality helicopter cam swashplate. The principle of operation of the device is based on changing the angle of inclination of the blades. If we talk about indicators, then the diameter of the plateequals only 34 cm. The rotors are located at the level of spherical bearings.

Modification is able to withstand heavy loads. However, it is important to note that the maximum roll angle does not exceed 40 degrees. There is no rack lock in this case. The compact ball joint deserves special attention. She is not afraid of twisting problems. Installing the blades vertically is fairly quick.

Front supports are used to adjust the cyclic pitch of the blades. For tiltrotor modification of this series is not suitable. She has hinged mounts under the plate. The protective ring of the modification is fixed on the sleeve. The lining on the ball joint wears out very slowly. This swash plate is not suitable for gyroplanes.