|
Rotorcraft Flying Menu > Introduction
to the Helicopter > Powerplant
A typical small helicopter has a reciprocating
engine, which is mounted on the airframe. The engine can be
mounted horizontally or vertically with the transmis-sion supplying
the power to the vertical main rotor shaft. [Figure 1-6]
Figure 1-6. Typically, the engine drives
the main rotor through a transmission and belt drive or centrifugal
clutch system. The antitorque rotor is driven from the transmission.
Another engine type is the gas turbine. This
engine is used in most medium to heavy lift helicopters due
to its large horsepower output. The engine drives the main transmission,
which then transfers power directly to the main rotor system,
as well as the tail rotor.
|
