Chinook technical question

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Wes_Howes
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Chinook technical question

Post by Wes_Howes »

Quick and to the point...

Why don't Chinooks have more than three rotor blades?

As a layman, by increasing the number of blades to 4, 5, or even 6, couldn't they (Boeing) shorten the length of the blades and therefore decrease the overall footprint of the aircraft? And maybe do away with the "#bladeslap" that's synonymous with the Chinook (and a dead giveaway that one is operating nearby). :person_shrugging_tone1:

Boeing Vertol developed the BV-347 that had four blades but with an increased length and a variable incidence wing.

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aviodromefriend
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Re: Chinook technical question

Post by aviodromefriend »

If they have more blades, wouldn't the rotorblades encounter more turbulence from the blade before them making them less efficient?
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Flankerman
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Re: Chinook technical question

Post by Flankerman »

The Russian Mi-26 'Halo' manages to fly OK - with EIGHT rotor blades - on a single shaft.

Ken

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Seahornet
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Re: Chinook technical question

Post by Seahornet »

Flankerman wrote:
Sat 23 Jul 2022, 7:02 pm
The Russian Mi-26 'Halo' manages to fly OK - with EIGHT rotor blades - on a single shaft.

Ken
The issue is to do with the front blades interfering with the rear ones (and vice versa). A single-rotor helo won't have the same issues.
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Wes_Howes
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Re: Chinook technical question

Post by Wes_Howes »

That makes sense, obviously this is something that Boeing would have investigated many years ago but it just doesn't get broadcast. I just thought it was strange that since it's inception, the Chinook has barely changed but I suppose, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

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helired3
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Re: Chinook technical question

Post by helired3 »

i used to fly model helicopters and there was great debate about two blade head systems vs three blade this link inst specific to the Chinook but give an incite into different blade systems an to pros and cons.

https://pilotteacher.com/this-is-why-he ... of-blades/
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