93849 - Helicopters

Academic Year 2024/2025

Learning outcomes

Starting from the decoupled and linearized equations of motion, fundamentals of aircraft feedback control are addressed. Design tools for aircraft stability augmentation systems and autopilots are developed.

Course contents

The first part of the course will deal with the hovering helicopter, Factors affecting hover, The vertical flight, Momentum theory of forward flight, The blade element method in forward flight, Performance estimates and Performance characteristics.

The second part of the module will focus on maneuvering flight, Rotor flapping characteristics, Trim and static stability, Main rotor design considerations, Airfoils for rotor blades, Anti-torque systems, Empennages and wings, Preliminary design, Other configurations, Helicopter noise, Helicopter vibration, Helicopter accidents.

Readings/Bibliography

Class Notes

JH Leishman, Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics

GH Padfield, HELICOPTER FLIGHT DYNAMICS, 2ND EDITION

Teaching methods

Class Lectures

Hand calculation exercises

Computer simulations

Assessment methods

Written, oral and practical exam

Office hours

See the website of Fabrizio Giulietti

See the website of Emanuele Luigi De Angelis