PRINCIPAL AIRFRAME PARTS (HELICOPTER)
In general, the airframe structure for helicopters follows the basic
principles of airframe structure for airplanes. For this reason, and
to maintain simplicity in the descriptions, airframe discussion in
the paragraphs that follow is limited to the single-rotor helicopter.
Cabin and Tail Cone Sections. A typical single-rotor helicopter is
composed of two major sections: the cabin and tail cone.
The cabin
section contains compartments with space for the crew, passengers,
cargo, fuel and oil tanks, controls, and powerplant.
However, in
multiengine helicopters the power plants may be mounted in separate
engine nacelles. The tail cone section and landing gear are attached
to the cabin section so that they can be removed, inspected, repaired
when necessary, and replaced.
The cabin is strong enough at points
of attachment to withstand the forces involved in taking off, flying,
and landing.
The size and arrangement of compartments and the
section construction vary with different types and manufacturers of
helicopters. Figure 1-9 illustrates the cabin structure of a utility
helicopter (UH-1).
Notice
that
the
structure
is
basically
semimonocoque with variations to strengthen areas of high stress.
The tail cone (boom), shown in Figure 1-10, attaches to the cabin and
supports the tail rotor, tail-rotor drive shafting, and stabilizers.
Stabilizer.
The airfoils attached to the tail cone to increase
stability about the longitudinal and lateral axes of the aircraft
during flight are stabilizers.
Stabilizer construction is also
semimonocoque.
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