Wasserman talks about the design process of the rotor blade wingtips of the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter. The tip's anhedral, or downward angle, platform cuts down on the vortices coming off the wing to ameliorate drag. Weaker vortices mean less vibration, which means less noise originating from the turning blades. The reduced vibrations produce a more efficient aircraft and make flying easier for the pilots. This type of blade tip design is also used on Sikorsky's Black Hawk and S-92 helicopters. On the 53K, the anhedral bend and other wingtip specifications maximize lift/hover capabilities. Although the winglet on a 737 has an upward deflection, it has a similar purpose: increase lift on the wing.
Know your winglets
Aerospace America ; 53 , 4
2015
Article (Journal)
English
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