- 28 November 2006 -
Composite rotor blades used for Sea King helicopter

COMPOSITE ROTOR blades supplied by Carson Helicopters of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, USA, have successfully been used for the first time on QinetiQ’s Sea King helicopter.

The Sea King XZ575 completed a test flight of four minutes, with data showing that the blades had increased the helicopter’s performance. QinetiQ’s Carson blade test programme looks at aircraft handling, performance and vibration characteristics. A blade of a comparable specification to the one being tested by QinetiQ demonstrates a 2000 lb increase in hover capability. 

The rotor blades are similar to those used on the Sikorsky S61. The performance gains are attributed to the advanced aerofoil sections, increased twist and swept tip.

“This is thought to be the most significant modification made to a helicopter in the UK by a non aircraft manufacturer,” says Andrew Sleigh, group managing director for defence and technology at QinetiQ. “Because the new blades had not been certified by any organisation independent of the manufacturer, they were fitted for the trial as a QinetiQ modification – one of the most significant aircraft modifications ever made by us.”

Carson Helicopters; www.carsonhelicopters.com
QinetiQ; www.qinetiq.com

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