Bell Helicopter Textron is developing a technology demonstrator in the form of a Composite Tailboom for the Model 412 and 212 helicopters, to potentially replace the existing metallic design. The composite tailboom has been designed for producibility and low cost whilst maintaining the capability to withstand the operating environment of the Model 412 and 212 helicopters. During the development of the tailboom, concurrent engineering philosophies were used so that manufacturing and tooling considerations were recognised in the design concept stage resulting in a very economical and producible design. Additionally the composite tailboom has been designed for fatigue with a high degree of redundancy in critical areas making it very tolerant to in service damage. This has been proven by an extensive material qualification and structural test program at Bell Helicopter. The composite tailboom is scheduled for flight test and FAA certification in 1996.
Model 412 composite tailboom
Verbundstoffheckausleger des Hubschraubers Bell 412
1996
10 Seiten, 9 Bilder
Conference paper
English
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