A method of manufacturing a control cuff for a rotor blade of a hinge and bearingless rotor. The method comprises at least the steps of: manufacturing an outer shell, manufacturing a stiffener member by means of an automated process, inserting the stiffener member into the outer shell, and bonding the stiffener member to the outer shell.

Technologies are generally described for lead-lag dampers. An example lead-lag may include a single- or two-stage floating annular ring, elastomer bearings, a tension stop, a compression stop, and a plunger/spring volume compensator. The floating annular ring(s) form orifice(s) in conjunction with the remaining damper components may provide stable performance by tracking with any center shaft misalignment during operation. The lead-lag damper may also include a secondary spring system allowing or disallowing fluid flow between chambers based on slow or sudden movement of the shaft.

Technologies are generally described for lead-lag dampers. An example lead-lag may include a single- or two-stage floating annular ring, elastomer bearings, a tension stop, a compression stop, and a plunger/spring volume compensator. The floating annular ring(s) form orifice(s) in conjunction with the remaining damper components may provide stable performance by tracking with any center shaft misalignment during operation. The lead-lag damper may also include a secondary spring system allowing or disallowing fluid flow between chambers based on slow or sudden movement of the shaft.

A rotor system has a rotor, an axis of rotation about which the rotor may be rotated, a linkage system having a first adjustable length portion and a second adjustable length portion, wherein the second adjustable length portion is configured to provide a relatively finer adjustment of an overall effective length of the linkage system as compared to the first adjustable length portion and wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about the axis in response to changing the overall effective length of the linkage system.

A rotor system has a rotor, an axis of rotation about which the rotor may be rotated, a linkage system having a first adjustable length portion and a second adjustable length portion, wherein the second adjustable length portion is configured to provide a relatively finer adjustment of an overall effective length of the linkage system as compared to the first adjustable length portion and wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about the axis in response to changing the overall effective length of the linkage system.

A fracture-resistant double shear joint including a clevis having a first end defining a first bore and a second end defining a second bore, and a reaction load member defining a third bore, wherein the first bore, the second bore, and the third bore are colinear. The fracture-resistant double shear joint can further include a first spacer positioned within the first bore, a second spacer positioned within the second bore, and a shear pin positioned within each of the first bore, the second bore, and the third bore. The shear pin may include an outer cylinder, an inner shear bolt threaded on both ends, and nuts at either end that engage the threads. The nuts may be tightened to place the outer cylinder in compression. The spacers in the first and second bore may include a low friction liner that interfaces with the outer cylinder of the shear pin. The ends of the spacers may be set back from the ends of the first and second bores (that are next to the third bore).

A fracture-resistant double shear joint including a clevis having a first end defining a first bore and a second end defining a second bore, and a reaction load member defining a third bore, wherein the first bore, the second bore, and the third bore are colinear. The fracture-resistant double shear joint can further include a first spacer positioned within the first bore, a second spacer positioned within the second bore, and a shear pin positioned within each of the first bore, the second bore, and the third bore. The shear pin may include an outer cylinder, an inner shear bolt threaded on both ends, and nuts at either end that engage the threads. The nuts may be tightened to place the outer cylinder in compression. The spacers in the first and second bore may include a low friction liner that interfaces with the outer cylinder of the shear pin. The ends of the spacers may be set back from the ends of the first and second bores (that are next to the third bore).

A hinge assembly such as a lead-lag hinge can include a hinge pin assembly. The hinge pin assembly can include an outer cylinder, a shear pin that extends through the outer cylinder and having a first threaded end and a second threaded end, a first nut threaded on the first threaded end and a second nut threaded on the second end. An opposing force between the first nut and the second nut applies a compressive stress to the outer cylinder that may increase a resistance of the hinge pin assembly to wear and damage. In the case of complete failure of the outer cylinder, the shear pin can maintain structural integrity of the hinge pin assembly and of the hinge assembly.

A damper for a rotor hub for a rotorcraft can include a housing, a piston resiliently coupled to the housing with a first elastomeric member and a second elastomeric member, a plurality of conical members, a fluid, and an orifice.

A damper for a rotor hub for a rotorcraft can include a housing, a piston resiliently coupled to the housing with a first elastomeric member and a second elastomeric member, a plurality of conical members, a fluid, and an orifice.