Kaman Aerospace says it has successfully flight-tested second-generation composite main rotor blades (CMRB2s) for its SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopter. The CMRB2s are designed for improved durability and lower life-cycle costs, compared with existing metal blades.
"Flight tests indicate that the CMRB2 'rotor' has four-times the life of a metal rotor and provides enhanced handling characteristics," says Kaman's chief test pilot, George Haliscak.
The Bloomfield, Connecticut-based company, also hopes that reduced control forces demonstrated in the tests will help to extend the life of control system bearings.
The CMRB2s follow work done by Kaman in the late 1980s to develop composite rotor blades for US Navy Seasprites and incorporate graphite servo-flap technology developed for the K-MAX "aerial truck".
Source: Flight International
