What Is a Helicopter?
A Helicopter is a type of aircraft that can ascend and fly vertically using rotating blades.
According to the Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, a helicopter is defined as a “rotary-wing aircraft that obtains significant lift from one or more rotors.” The term “helicopter” originates from the Greek words “helix,” meaning spiral, and “pteron,” meaning wing.
Uses of Helicopter
Helicopters are employed in various fields due to their high mobility and vertical movement capabilities.
1. Search and Rescue Operations
During disasters, helicopters are used for search and rescue operations, enabling the rescue of victims in the aftermath of earthquakes or floods. They are also utilized for rescue operations in mountainous and forested areas, allowing for efficient rescues.
2. Emergency Medical Transport
Helicopters used for emergency medical transport are commonly known as “doctor helicopters.”
3. Media Coverage
Helicopters used by news agencies for coverage purposes are referred to as “news helicopters.”
4. Firefighting
In firefighting activities, helicopters known as firefighting helicopters can drop water onto the fire site.
5. Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Transport Operations
Helicopters are used by police and defense forces for surveillance, reconnaissance, and transport operations.
6. Filming
Large helicopters are employed for aerial photography and cinematography, commonly seen on movie and TV drama sets.
7. Forest Conservation
In agriculture and forestry, helicopters are used for tasks such as pesticide spraying and forest conservation.
Principle of Helicopter
Helicopters generate lift by rotating their blades, directing airflow to create lift. Adjusting the pitch (angle) of the main rotor blades allows for lift adjustment, facilitating ascent and descent.
Additionally, tilting the main rotor forward or backward enables forward and backward movement, while tilting it left or right allows for the helicopter to turn. Changing the rotation speed controls flight speed and altitude. Helicopters also have a small rotor called the tail rotor, which rotates in the opposite direction to offset the torque generated by the main rotor.
Structure of Helicopter
A helicopter consists of components such as the main rotor (main rotor), tail rotor, engine, cockpit, and fuselage.
1. Rotor Blades
The main rotor, located at the top of the aircraft, generates lift for the helicopter. The tail rotor, rotating in the opposite direction, is mounted behind the cockpit.
2. Engine
Located at the bottom of the aircraft, the engine powers the main and tail rotors. Turboshaft engines are commonly used in helicopters for their high power output.
3. Cockpit
Situated at the center of the helicopter, the cockpit is where the pilot controls the aircraft. It includes control sticks, pedals, and various instruments.
4. Fuselage
The part that supports the main rotor and tail rotor and provides space for carrying passengers or cargo. Fuselage shapes vary by model but are generally cylindrical or box-shaped.
Types of Helicopter
There are various classification methods for helicopters, but here, we’ll explain three types based on the number of main rotors: single-rotor, Twin Rotor, and Multirotor.
1. Single Rotor Aircraft
Most helicopters are single-rotor aircraft, featuring one rotor. A tail rotor is necessary to counteract torque, but this design simplifies structure, reduces components, and decreases weight.
2. Twin Rotor Aircraft
Featuring two rotors that rotate in opposite directions, canceling out each other’s torque effects. This design eliminates the need for a tail rotor, offering advantages in terms of safety but comes with increased weight. Twin-rotor configurations include coaxial counter-rotating, tandem, side-by-side, and intermeshing rotors, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
3. Multirotor Aircraft
Featuring three or more rotors, commonly known as drones or multicopters. Multirotor aircraft are primarily designed for vertical takeoff and landing, providing high maneuverability suitable for tasks such as wide-area surveillance.