Report No.
4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 1 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
AE 412
REPORT NO. 4:
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Submitted By:
ANDA, ADAM EMMANUEL A.
CABUYAO, TRISHA CAMILLE E.
LABITAG, DAPHNE MAE H.
SALAYA, JOSHUA ADRIELLE M.
BSAeE 4-2
Submitted To:
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE
November 8, 2024
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 2 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
1. Mission Profile of Selected Helicopter
The Bell 206L LongRanger is a light, single-engine utility helicopter with seating for up to
seven people. Manufactured by Bell Helicopter (now Bell Helicopter Textron), it has been
in production since 1986 at Bell's commercial plant in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada.
The Bell 206 series is one of the most widely used light helicopters globally, serving various
roles on nearly every continent. These roles include VIP transport, law enforcement, medical
evacuation (medevac), oil and gas exploration, geological surveys, pipeline and powerline
patrol, search and rescue, aerial photography, and aerial surveying.
The Bell LongRanger is designed to be operated by a single pilot and is powered by a single
turbine engine. It seats the pilot and up to five passengers comfortably. The helicopter cruises
at around 125 mph and can fly for approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes before needing
to refuel. The pilot operates the helicopter from the right front seat, and there is a baggage
compartment behind the passenger area that can carry up to 250 pounds of cargo.
Specifications for Bell 206 L4
Crew 1
Passengers 6
Useful Load (lbs) 250 lbs
Hover IGE (ft) 10000 ft
Service Ceiling (ft) 13500 ft
Vmax (kts) 130 knots
Vcruise (kts) 110 knots
Range Max (nmi) 260nmi
Max Rate of Climb (ft/min) 1320 ft/min
Max Gross Weight (lbs) 4550 lbs
Max Rotor Diameter (ft) 37.0 ft
Max Fuselage Length (ft) 42.4 ft
Table 1. Specifications for Selected Helicopter
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 3 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
2. Make a Rough Estimate of the Manufacturer’s Empty Weight
4550lbs x 0.6lbs = 2670 lbs
3. Make a Rough Estimate of Gross Weight
4550lbs x 0.8 = 3640 lbs
4. Calculate the Maximum Tip Velocity
Where:
Vtip-mr = Design tip velocity of the main rotor
Mtip-mr = Mach number at maximum tip velocity
a = speed of sound
k = specific heat ratio of air
R = Specific gas constant of air
T = Temperature at SSLC
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 4 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
5. Determine the Rotor Radius
Where:
= Design main rotor radius = ?
Wgross = Gross weight = 3640 lbs
DL= Disk Loading = 3.205 lbs/ft^2
Figure 1.0 Disc Loading vs. Gross Weight Graph
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 5 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
Using the graph and interpolation method:
6. Determine a First-Cut Rotational Velocity
Where:
= Main rotor rotational velocity
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 6 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
7. Make a first-cut Determination of the Thrust Coefficient
Where:
Cthrust-mr = Main rotor coefficient of thrust 0.002559525507
Tmr = Thrust due to the main rotor
Amr= Disk area of the main rotor
8. Determine the Blade Solidity
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 7 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
Where:
µmr = Advance ratio of the main rotor
Vfwd = Forward velocity
mr = main rotor solidity
BL = Blade Loading
Figure 2.0 Blade Loading vs. Advance Ratio Graph
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 8 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
Using the graph and interpolation method:
9. Determine the number of main rotor blades to be used.
Selected No. of Blades: 2
The number of rotor blades on a helicopter is influenced by several factors, including its
intended use, performance requirements, and engineering considerations (Anthelion
Helicopters, 2022). The number of blades directly impacts the helicopter's ability to generate
lift. Helicopters with more rotor blades can distribute lift more evenly across the rotor disk,
which can increase overall lift efficiency.
While two-bladed rotor systems are often preferred over four-bladed systems due to their
lighter weight, simpler hub design, higher tip speeds, and better manoeuvrability, they do have
trade-offs. Four-bladed systems reduce vibrations and can use smaller blades, but two-bladed
systems are often more practical for applications that prioritise agility, efficiency, and reduced
weight. Additionally, two-blade systems are generally more affordable to build and maintain
because they require fewer materials and have simpler rotor heads, which lowers both initial
and ongoing maintenance costs ([Link], 2017).
The single main rotor design has been a fundamental part of helicopters since the early days
of vertical flight. It remains one of the most reliable rotor technologies and is commonly used
in civilian helicopters, especially in private vehicles (FlySight, 2024).
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 9 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
10. Determine the chord and the aspect ratio
Formulas for determining the chord and the Aspect Ratio:
Where:
Cmr = main rotor chord
AR = Aspect ratio
11. Determine the Average lift coefficient
The average lift coefficient is a function of thrust coefficient and solidity.
Where:
CL = Coefficient of Lift
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 100 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
12. Choose an airfoil section for the main rotor blades
Selected airfoil: NACA 0012
The NACA 0012 airfoil is a symmetrical design commonly used for helicopter main rotor blades
due to its high stall angle of attack, which helps prevent stalling on the retreating rotor blade.
Its steep lift curve allows it to generate enough lift at moderate angles of attack, minimizing
the need for extreme blade angles that could negatively impact performance.
A key advantage of the NACA 0012 is its high lift-to-drag ratio, enabling it to produce
significant lift while keeping drag low. This makes it ideal for commercial aircraft, as it supports
stable and efficient flight. Additionally, its relatively low pitching moment helps stabilize the
aircraft, reducing the need for frequent pilot adjustments (Physics Forums, 2011).
Although symmetrical airfoils generally produce less lift at zero angle of attack, the NACA 0012
compensates by achieving a high maximum lift coefficient, allowing it to provide the necessary
lift for helicopters during both hover and forward flight. Its high drag divergence Mach number
reduces compressibility effects on the advancing rotor at high speeds, while maintaining low
drag during hover and cruise. The symmetrical design also results in low pitching moments,
which minimizes control forces and blade twisting, contributing to greater stability and ease of
control in helicopters (SciSpace, 2024).
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 111 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
13. Determine the average lift curve slope and average profile drag coefficient
Solving for Reynolds Number:
Where:
= density of air in SSLC
= Max Velocity
= main rotor chord
= viscosity of air at SSLC
NACA 0012 GRAPH
Figure 3.0 Cl vs. Cd Graph of NACA 0012
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 122 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
Figure 4.0 CL vs. Alpha Graph of NACA 0012
Aspect Ratio Correction:
Figure 5.0 NACA 0012 Aspect Ratio Correction
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 133 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
Average Lift Curve Slope:
Average Profile Drag using Cl vs. Cd graph:
Given:
Cl=0.60141853375
e=0.7
Figure 6.0 Obtaining Cd using Cl vs. Cd graph
Average Profile Drag = 0.01507092669
Report No. 4:
Name: AE 412-4 | GROUP 3
HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR DESIGN
Instructor: Date: 08 NOV 2024 Page 144 of 14
ENGR. MARC ANDREI M. SESPEÑE Issue No.: 1 Rating:
References:
Bell 206 Series helicopters. (n.d.). Aviationwv. [Link]
Palt, K. (n.d.). Bell Helicopter Bell 206L Long Ranger - Specifications - Technical data /
Description. [Link]
Bell 206L-4 Longranger IV Specifications |. (n.d.). [Link]
specifications/
2004 Bell 206L4 SN 52296. (2017). Meridian Helicopters. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from
[Link]
Anthelion helicopters. (2022). Why Do Some Helicopters Have More Blades Than
Others? [Link]
moreblades-than-others/
[Link] (2017). Benefits of a 2 blade rotor. [Link]
FlySight. (2024, January 8). A close look at helicopter rotor technology – The Future of Vertical
Flight.
[Link] vertical-
flight/
Airfoil Tools. (n.d). NACA 0012 AIRFOILS (n0012-il).
[Link]
